The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO) conducted a comprehensive hybrid conference on March 11, 2026, focusing on the monitoring of petroleum products and essential commodity prices at their headquarters in Sibulan, Negros Oriental.

Police Colonel Timmar J. Alam, Officer-in-Charge Provincial Director of NOrPPO, presided over the conference held at Maringal Hall, Camp Lt. Col. Francisco C. Fernandez Jr., in Barangay Agan-an, Sibulan. The meeting brought together key police officials and personnel to discuss strategies for monitoring and regulating fuel and commodity prices across the province.

Key Officials in Attendance

According to a statement posted on the NOrPPO Facebook page, the conference was attended by several high-ranking officials including Police Lieutenant Colonel Ronoel G. Fungo, Deputy Provincial Director for Administration, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Marlon J. Mallorca, Chief of the Provincial Intelligence Unit.

Police Major Ian Paul F. Arapols, Assistant Chief of the Provincial Operations Unit, also participated alongside force commanders and personnel from the Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFCs). Chiefs, assistant chiefs, and officers-in-charge from various city and municipal police stations throughout Negros Oriental joined the conference both in person and virtually.

Focus Areas and Enforcement Priorities

The conference outlined several critical areas of focus for law enforcement operations related to commodity price monitoring. Primary emphasis was placed on the systematic inspection of fuel stations across the province to ensure compliance with established pricing regulations and standards.

Officials discussed the implementation of BP 33, PD 1865, and DOE Department Circular No. 2017-11-0011, which govern petroleum product pricing and distribution in the Philippines. These legal frameworks provide the foundation for police enforcement activities in monitoring fuel station compliance and preventing price manipulation.

The conference also addressed security concerns, particularly the tracking of potential movements of Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) that could disrupt commodity supply chains or threaten essential services in the region.

Coordination with Local Government

A significant portion of the discussion centered on strengthening coordination mechanisms with Local Government Units (LGUs) throughout Negros Oriental. This collaboration aims to create a more effective monitoring network that can respond quickly to price irregularities or supply disruptions.

The conference emphasized the importance of conducting security surveys and maintaining ongoing dialogues with transportation providers to ensure the continuous flow of essential goods and maintain public order. These partnerships are crucial for early detection of potential supply chain issues that could affect commodity availability and pricing.

Public Safety and Community Preparedness

According to the NOrPPO statement, the primary objective of the conference was to enhance the operational awareness and capability of police personnel and partner units in safeguarding essential commodities. This includes developing more effective enforcement mechanisms for relevant policies and promoting overall public safety.

The initiative reflects the police force’s commitment to community preparedness, particularly in ensuring that essential goods remain accessible and fairly priced for residents across Negros Oriental. The hybrid format of the conference allowed for broader participation from police units stationed throughout the province’s various municipalities.

Regional Context and Significance

Negros Oriental, as a major agricultural and commercial hub in the Central Visayas region, relies heavily on stable fuel prices for transportation of goods and agricultural products. Fluctuations in petroleum prices can significantly impact the cost of basic commodities, affecting thousands of families across the province.

The province’s strategic location and its role as a gateway for inter-island commerce make effective price monitoring particularly important for maintaining economic stability in the region. Local businesses, farmers, and transportation operators depend on fair and stable pricing for their operations.

Law Enforcement Framework

The conference reinforced the legal framework under which police operations will be conducted. Batas Pambansa 33, which regulates petroleum products, and Presidential Decree 1865, which addresses price manipulation and hoarding, provide the legal basis for enforcement actions.

DOE Department Circular No. 2017-11-0011 establishes specific guidelines for petroleum product pricing and distribution, giving law enforcement officers clear parameters for monitoring compliance. These regulations are designed to protect consumers from price gouging and ensure fair market competition.

Looking Forward

The NOrPPO’s initiative reflects the national government’s broader campaign for improved public service delivery, aligned with the “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas” program emphasizing fast, honest, and responsive service to communities.

Moving forward, the strategies discussed during the conference are expected to be implemented across all police stations in Negros Oriental. Regular monitoring activities will be conducted to ensure continued compliance with pricing regulations and to maintain the stability of essential commodity supplies.

The hybrid format of the conference demonstrates the police force’s adaptation to modern communication technologies, allowing for more efficient coordination among units spread across the province’s 19 municipalities and 6 cities.

Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office/Facebook