CIDG arrests 6 in Navotas fuel scheme, Manila fake document operation

Six people were arrested in separate operations targeting the illegal trade of petroleum products in Navotas and the production of fake police documents in Manila, the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group said Monday.

CIDG-National Capital Region chief Col. John Guiagui said three suspects were arrested late Saturday along Honorio Lopez Boulevard in Barangay NBBS Kaunlaran, Navotas, for allegedly selling and trading petroleum products without the necessary permits from the Department of Energy.

Police confiscated six containers holding around 290 liters of diesel, three steel storage tanks, a 20,000-liter fuel tanker, a 40,000-liter fuel tanker and a mini tanker.

The seized items were valued at around P6.66 million, according to the CIDG. A diesel pump and several delivery receipts were also recovered.

The suspects were placed under police custody and subjected to inquest proceedings for alleged violations of Batas Pambansa No. 33, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1865, which covers illegal trading of petroleum products.

Guiagui said the fuel was allegedly sourced from vessels docked at sea before being brought to Malabon and Navotas for resale.

“Sa dagat nila nakukuha ito eh… Kukunin nila sa naka-dock sa dagat. From there, ibababa nila sa Malabon, Navotas, then doon na nagbebentahan,” he said.

He added that those arrested were allegedly workers in the operation and that police were also pursuing the people believed to be behind the scheme.

“Mga tauhan nila ito. Yung mga namumuno diyan, wala naman talaga sa area. But, we filed charges against them. 'Pag lumabas warrant nila, aarestuhin namin sila,” Guiagui said.

He said the operation was the CIDG-NCR’s third against so-called “paihi” schemes in the Camanava area amid rising fuel prices.

In a separate operation, three people were arrested Friday along Recto Avenue in Manila for allegedly producing fake PNP documents, including permits to carry firearms and police clearances.

Guiagui said fake documents, particularly permits to carry firearms, were being sold for more than P2,000 each.

“Nagkaroon kami ng buy bust operation, nagpagawa muna kami at indeed nakapag palabas sila ng PTC nito na ibinigay after giving amount of money sa mga tauhan nila na namemeke,” he said.

The CIDG also confiscated hard drives and storage devices during the operation.

Guiagui said investigators would review the seized files to identify people who may have obtained fake documents and determine whether charges should also be filed against them.