Police arrested six individuals involved in the illegal trading of petroleum products in Navotas and the production of fraudulent documents in Manila, authorities said Monday.

Criminal Investigation and Detection Group National Capital Region chief Col. John Guiagui said three suspects were arrested late Saturday night along Honorio Lopez Boulevard in Barangay NBBS Kaunlaran, Navotas.

The unidentified suspects were caught selling and trading petroleum products without the required authorization from the Department of Energy.

Operatives confiscated six containers holding roughly 290 liters of diesel fuel, three steel storage tanks, a 20,000-liter fuel tanker, a 40,000-liter fuel tanker, a mini tanker, a diesel pump and delivery receipts, with an estimated total value of P6.66 million.

The suspects were taken into police custody and subjected to inquest proceedings for violating Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1865, which penalizes the illegal trade of petroleum products.

Guiagui cited the potential dangers of using unauthorized fuel in vehicles and highlighted the improper storage of the confiscated inventory.

“They get this from the sea,” Guiagui said. “They take it from ships docked at sea. From there, they unload it in Malabon and Navotas, where the selling takes place.”

“These are just their workers,” Guiagui added. “The leaders behind this are not actually in the area. But we filed charges against them. Once their warrants are issued, we will arrest them.” He declined to name the masterminds but noted they are Filipino citizens.

Guiagui also said that the raid was his unit’s third operation targeting illegal fuel-siphoning schemes, locally known as “paihi,” across the Camanava area — comprising Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela — amid rising fuel prices triggered by conflict in the Middle East.