TO avoid suspicion and help augment security during the Sinulog grand parade tomorrow, the public is discouraged against purchasing petroleum and similar products in single containers.
This came after the Cebu City Government asked the Department of Energy (DOE) 7 to request gas stations in the city, particularly those within the parade route, to be suspicious of personalities engaging in individual purchases.
“Councilor David Tumulak asked if it were possible not to sell fuel in single containers because this could be used to create improvised explosive devices. He also advised gas outlets to undertake security measures,” DOE 7 Director Antonio Labios told reporters yesterday.
Tumulak is deputy mayor for police matters.
He is also the City Council’s chairperson for public order and safety.
DOE Legal Officer Russ Mark Gamallo explained that while the law only prohibits the retail sale of fuel, gasoline stations have the prerogative to refuse the customer if the container is suspicious or inappropriate by DOE standards.
The gasoline stations, for their part, assured that they have already set up their contingency plans for the Sinulog grand parade tomorrow.
These include setting up barricades within their premises, locking their gas pumps and coordinating with their local barangay officials.
The Visayan Electric Company and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines assured that they have observed a short deficit, but there is enough power supply for tomorrow.