A law enforcement operation against illegal fuel siphoning, locally known as “paihi,” led to the arrest of a suspect and the seizure of petroleum products worth over P11 million in Lemery, Batangas.
Operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Batangas Provincial Field Unit, in coordination with local police, carried out the operation at around 9:45 p.m. on May 1, 2026, in Barangay Mataas na Bayan.
Authorities arrested a 38-year-old truck driver, identified only as “Juan,” who was allegedly caught in the act of siphoning fuel from a tanker truck into containers for illegal sale.
Seized during the operation were a trailer tanker containing an estimated 40,000 liters of petroleum products, 28 intermediate bulk containers holding approximately 20,000 liters, and various equipment, including hoses, a water pump, and containers. The total value of the recovered items was estimated at P11.131 million.
Investigators said the tanker originated from Barangay Sinisian West in Lemery and had stopped along the road in Barangay Mataas na Bayan, where fuel was allegedly siphoned without proper authorization. The shipment was reportedly intended for delivery to Bacoor, Cavite.
The CIDG said the operation forms part of its intensified nationwide crackdown on the illegal trading and pilferage of petroleum products.
Authorities emphasized that such activities violate Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1865, which prohibits the unauthorized sale or distribution of petroleum products.
The CIDG urged the public to report illegal fuel trading in their areas as enforcement efforts continue.