Police arrested a fisherman Thursday for illegally transporting 400 liters of diesel fuel in this Masbate town, authorities said.

The intelligence-driven operation was conducted in support of the government’s implementation of the National Energy Emergency, according to Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5).

Joint operatives from the Masbate Police Provincial Office, Cawayan Municipal Police Station, and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 5 executed the targeted sting around 5:40 p.m. in response to verified reports of illegal petroleum trading.

Authorities caught the suspect in the act of transporting three blue plastic drums of diesel fuel with an estimated market value of P26,400. The suspect failed to present a receipt, delivery documents, a permit, or any other proof of lawful authority to possess or transport the fuel.

The suspect faces charges for violating Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1865, which penalizes the unauthorized sale, transportation, distribution, storage, and possession of petroleum products.

The law aims to curb the unlawful trade of fuel, protect consumers, ensure the integrity of the country’s fuel supply, and safeguard government revenues.

The suspect and the confiscated diesel were brought to the Cawayan Municipal Police Station for documentation ahead of the formal filing of criminal charges before the Office of the Prosecutor.

Brig. Gen. Erosito N. Miranda, PRO-5 regional director, commended the operating units for their coordinated action, noting that intelligence-led operations remain vital to combating economic crimes.

“The illegal transportation and trading of petroleum products not only violate existing laws but also endanger communities, disrupt legitimate commerce, and undermine government efforts to ensure a secure and stable fuel supply,” Miranda said. “We will continue to intensify intelligence gathering and law enforcement operations to dismantle illegal fuel trading activities and hold violators accountable.”