A man was arrested in New Washington, Aklan after police uncovered an alleged illegal fuel offloading operation on April 27, 2026, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
The suspect was apprehended by personnel of the Aklan Maritime Police Station’s Dumaguit Maritime Law Enforcement Team under the PNP Maritime Group, following a tip from a concerned citizen. Authorities said he was caught transferring gasoline from a tanker truck into a separate container using an improvised hose without the required permits.
Seized during the operation were a fuel tanker truck, about 300 liters of gasoline, and makeshift equipment used in the transfer. The total value of the recovered items was estimated at around P900,000.
The suspect remains in police custody as charges are being prepared.
PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the operating units for their prompt response, stressing that illegal activities involving vital commodities such as petroleum will be dealt with firmly.
He underscored the importance of maintaining proper and lawful fuel distribution, especially amid current supply pressures, and assured that enforcement efforts will be intensified.
Nartatez also urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities involving fuel and other essential goods, noting that maintaining peace and order requires collective effort.
Police said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal activities affecting critical resources, in line with the administration’s push to strengthen energy security and public safety.
The PNP Maritime Group reiterated its commitment to closely monitor coastal and maritime areas to prevent unlawful activities and ensure responsive service to communities.