- 16 gas stations shutter amid national energy emergency
SIXTEEN gasoline stations temporarily stopped the pumps due to the scarcity in petroleum supply amid the state of national emergency declared by Malacañang, authorities confirmed on Wednesday, March 25.
During the Davao Peace and Security press briefing on March 25, 2026, Police Regional Office (PRO) XI spokesperson Major Catherine Dela Rey revealed that out of 632 gas stations across the region, 16 have ceased operations.
The closures are spread across key economic hubs:
- Davao City: 8 stations (R. Castillo, Toril, Langub, Bago Aplaya, and Talomo)
- Davao del Norte: 6 stations (Kapalong, IGACOS, and Asuncion)
- Davao Oriental: 2 stations (Banaybanay and Boston)
The first closure was recorded on March 9, with the most recent occurring on March 22.
Task Force Monitoring and ‘Dipping’ Inspections
In response to the crisis, the PRO XI has established a “Special Task Force Unified Response to Fuel Issues.”
While the PNP is primarily providing area security and monitoring, Major Dela Rey noted that they are now authorized to get more aggressive in verifying supply levels.
“Yesterday, the Department of Energy (DOE) stated that the PNP can now request ‘dipping’ inspections of underground tanks,” Dela Rey said. “This is to validate if a station is truly short on supply or if the levels are hovering at the critical 10 to 15 percent mark.”
Despite the closures, the PNP reported receiving no reports regarding “hoarding.”
Addressing the PNP’s power under the State of Emergency, Dela Rey clarified that the DOE remains the lead agency for penalizing violations.
“Our role is monitoring and coordination. If there is a violation, we report it to the DOE for action. We support the implementation through patrols and area security, especially since the DOE has limited personnel capacity,” she added.
Despite the fuel volatility, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) reports that the situation on the streets remains calm.
DCPO spokesperson Captain Hazel Caballero stated that across 19 police stations, no reports of disputes between drivers and passengers over fares have been recorded.
“So far, we have received no complaints. Passengers are aware of the situation, and it remains a matter of mutual understanding at this point,” Caballero said.
