Photo by: Police Regional Office 3
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Authorities have dismantled an alleged illegal petroleum trading operation in Bataan, resulting in the seizure of approximately ₱22 million worth of petroleum products and the arrest of eight suspects during a joint anti-smuggling operation in Dinalupihan on Thursday.
The operation, conducted in Barangay San Benito in the early hours of July 16, was led by joint operatives from the Philippine National Police’s Regional Special Operations Group of the Regional Intelligence Division 3 (RSOG-RID3), PNP Intelligence Group Task Force Anti-Smuggling, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Bataan Provincial Field Unit, Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Bataan Police Provincial Office, 1st Bataan Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the Dinalupihan Municipal Police Station.
The coordinated operation stemmed from intelligence reports on the alleged illegal sale, diversion, and unauthorized distribution of petroleum products in the province.
Photo by: Police Regional Office 3
Authorities initially conducted an entrapment operation that led to the arrest of two individuals allegedly caught selling petroleum products without the required license from the Department of Energy (DOE). A subsequent inspection of the area resulted in the arrest of six additional suspects after law enforcers discovered fuel tanker trucks and unauthorized storage facilities allegedly being used to unload and divert petroleum products intended for delivery to a different consignee and destination.
Recovered during the operation were more than 104,000 liters of petroleum products, consisting of over 68,000 liters of diesel, 20,000 liters of unleaded gasoline, 7,600 liters of premium gasoline, and 8,800 liters of ethanol. Authorities also confiscated four fuel tanker trucks, an electric transfer pump, and several delivery documents believed to be connected to the illegal operation.
Investigators said the petroleum products were allegedly diverted from their intended recipients, an act that may constitute a violation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1865, which penalizes the unauthorized sale, distribution, transportation, and diversion of petroleum products.
Police Regional Office 3 Director PBGen. Jess B. Mendez said the successful operation underscores the Philippine National Police’s intensified campaign against economic sabotage and illicit trade.
“This successful operation reflects PRO3’s unwavering commitment to combating illicit trade activities that undermine legitimate businesses and deprive the government of much-needed revenues. In line with the PNP Focused Agenda of our Chief, PNP, PGen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., we will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations and strengthen inter-agency collaboration to protect the economy and ensure that violators are held accountable,” Mendez said.
Authorities said the crackdown forms part of continuing intelligence-driven enforcement efforts to curb fuel smuggling and illegal petroleum trading, which not only distort fair market competition but also threaten government revenue collection and consumer protection.
The eight arrested individuals are now facing appropriate charges, while authorities continue to investigate possible links to a wider illegal fuel distribution network operating in Central Luzon.