The Philippine National Police (PNP) has uncovered a fuel pilferage operation in Malabon City, leading to the confiscation of evidence worth P17.2 million.

According to a police report, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) National Capital Region Regional Field Unit conducted a law enforcement operation against an alleged "paihi" fuel scheme involving two tugboats docked in Barangay Concepcion, Malabon City. The operation resulted in the arrest of four male suspects and the seizure of two tugboats carrying approximately 105,070 liters of diesel fuel, with an estimated value of P17,220,000.

The report submitted to CIDG Director PMGen. Robert A.A. Morico II stated that the four suspects, all of legal age and residents of Malabon, Albay, and Isabela, respectively, were caught allegedly siphoning petroleum products from the tugboats into containers without a permit or authority from the Department of Energy (DOE).

Morico emphasized that the government protects public interest and national security by strengthening the regulation of petroleum products.

He noted that under Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, it is illegal to sell or distribute petroleum products for profit without the necessary license or authority from the proper government agencies. He added that Presidential Decree No. 1865, which amended BP 33, was enacted to address emerging unfair trade practices and promote energy conservation.

The CIDG leadership also lauded the CIDG National Capital Region Regional Field Unit, headed by PCOL John K. Guiagui, for the successful operation against the illegal fuel trade.

Authorities said the "paihi" scheme is particularly hazardous because it is carried out in clandestine, unmonitored locations, creating a high risk of fires and explosions.