Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group arrested two individuals and seized around P6.6 million worth of petroleum products in an anti-fuel pilferage operation in Agusan del Norte.
Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II, CIDG director, said the suspects—a tanker truck driver and his helper—were caught transferring fuel from a tanker into barrels along a roadside in Barangay Santa Ana, Tubay.
Authorities said the tanker originated from Cagayan de Oro City and had stopped in the area where the illegal transfer, locally known as “paihi,” was allegedly carried out.
Morico said the practice violates Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, which prohibits the unauthorized sale or distribution of petroleum products, as well as Presidential Decree No. 1865, which addresses unfair trade practices and promotes energy conservation.
“This operation was aimed at combating economic sabotage and securing national revenue,” Morico said.
The operation forms part of intensified efforts ordered by Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., Philippine National Police chief, to crack down on petroleum-related illegal activities amid rising fuel prices linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Police said these efforts also target offenses such as hoarding, price manipulation, and fuel pilferage.