Six individuals were arrested by operatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP) early Wednesday morning inside a hotel and resort compound in Barangay San Antonio 1, San Pablo City, Laguna, for alleged violations of Presidential Decree 1865, or the “Oil Pilferage Law.”
PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said elements of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 4A – Technical Support Company (RMFB4A-TSC), together with the 402nd Maneuver Company, used alternative recording devices and a drone to catch the suspects in the act of dispensing, short-selling, hoarding, and adulterating petroleum products.
Authorities recovered significant evidence from the scene, including an orange oil tanker containing approximately 500 liters of petroleum; 54 square tanks filled with fuel; five electric pumps; about 20 feet of pressure hose; seven steel drums; a steel funnel; and 21 empty 25-liter containers. The seized petroleum products were estimated to be worth P73,500.
During the operation, two suspects sustained injuries after jumping from the top of the tanker and were immediately brought to a nearby hospital for treatment.
All recovered items and vehicles were properly marked and turned over to authorities for further investigation and disposition.
“This operation underscores that tampering with petroleum products will not be tolerated. Protecting the supply for our communities is a top priority,” Nartatez said.
“Sa gitna ng national energy emergency, walang sinuman ang dapat magbenta o mag-hoard ng langis para sa sariling kapakinabangan,” he added.
“Ensuring public safety means keeping critical resources safe. Sa bawat hakbang ng operasyon, pinapangalagaan natin ang kaligtasan ng mamamayan at ng kanilang access sa langis,” Nartatez emphasized.