Manila, March 15 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) is monitoring gasoline stations that stopped operations amid suspicions of illegal schemes.

The Department of Energy (DOE) asked the PNP to assist in running after gas stations that may take advantage of the situation in the Middle East.

Some netizens reported the unannounced closure of some gas stations and asked the national government to look into the possibility of hoarding and price manipulation.

"We in the PNP fully understand the situation that gas station owners face amid the challenges brought by the situation in the Middle East. But if the sudden closure is for an illegal scheme, then expect police action on this matter," PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said i...