PNP targets oil pilferage after P16.3-M Quezon raid

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered a nationwide crackdown on illegal oil operations after authorities seized P16.3 million worth of petroleum products, vehicles and equipment in a raid that netted 13 suspects in Quezon province.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed all regional offices to step up intelligence operations against oil pilferage, illegal fuel transfers and unauthorized liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) refilling activities.

He also instructed local police units to monitor warehouses and storage facilities suspected of hosting illegal operations.

Nartatez said the directive aligns with orders from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., issued through Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to curb smuggling and illegal trade in petroleum products.

“This successful operation demonstrates the PNP’s firm commitment to dismantling illegal fuel operations that undermine our economy, endanger public safety, and deprive the government of legitimate revenues,” Nartatez said Tuesday.

The crackdown follows a 27 July operation in Barangay Silangang Mayao, Lucena City, where regional and local police units caught suspects allegedly siphoning petroleum products from tanker trucks into bulk containers and illegally transferring LPG into cylinders.

Police seized six trucks — including one carrying 10,000 liters of LPG — along with thousands of liters of diesel, 285 LPG cylinders, chemical hoses, hydraulic pumps, and other equipment valued at P16,289,750.

“We will pursue not only those caught in the act but also the individuals who finance and orchestrate these illegal activities,” Nartatez added.

The 13 suspects face charges under Presidential Decree 1865, known as the Oil Pilferage Law, and Republic Act 11592, the LPG Industry Regulation Act.