Authorities arrested three men and confiscated more than P5.5 million worth of petroleum products and equipment during a crackdown on an alleged illegal fuel trading operation in Bauan, Batangas, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said.
The operation was carried out shortly after midnight on May 7 by personnel from the CIDG Batangas Provincial Field Unit, in coordination with local police units, in Barangay San Pedro.
Investigators said the suspects were allegedly engaged in a “paihi” scheme, an illegal practice involving the unauthorized siphoning and transfer of petroleum products from tanker trucks into smaller containers for resale.
Seized during the operation were a tanker truck loaded with around 20,000 liters of petroleum products, six Intermediate Bulk Containers filled with diesel fuel, several drums containing unleaded gasoline, and other equipment believed to have been used in the illegal activity.
Authorities estimated the value of the recovered fuel products and paraphernalia at about P5.534 million.
According to a report submitted to CIDG director Police Major General Robert Morico II, the suspects, identified only by their aliases “Mar,” “Win,” and “Boy,” were allegedly caught in the act of transferring fuel from the tanker truck into containers without authorization from the Department of Energy.
The CIDG said the operation forms part of the intensified nationwide campaign against illegal petroleum trading and fuel pilferage ordered by Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Philippine National Police chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
Morico stressed that illegal trading of petroleum products violates Batas Pambansa Blg. 33 and Presidential Decree 1865, laws intended to regulate the sale and distribution of fuel products and prevent unfair trade practices.
The CIDG chief also commended the Batangas operating units and regional CIDG officials for the successful operation, saying the agency remains committed to dismantling illegal fuel operations across the country.
Authorities said charges are being prepared against the suspects as investigations continue.