Manila, March 9 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has joined government efforts against those who would seek to profit from oil price concerns resulting from the conflict in the Middle East.

In a statement on Monday, the PNP said all chiefs of police and commanders of support units were ordered to include gas stations in police visibility measures in response to the request for assistance by the Department of Energy (DOE) amid concerns on hoarding and price manipulation.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police force will establish coordination protocol in terms of monitoring oil prices and responding to complaints that will be coursed through the DOE from motorists in relation to unfair and unreasonable pricing, ...