MANILA, Philippines —The Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on Monday busted another fuel pilferage or “paihi” operation in Navotas City, seizing P6 million worth of petroleum products and equipment with a total estimated value of P6.6 million and arresting three individuals.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, CIDG National Capital Region (NCR) chief Col. John Guiagui said they received a report that three individuals were selling and trading petroleum products without the necessary permits and authority from the Department of Energy (DOE).
According to Guiagui, operators of the “paihi” scheme obtain their fuel from the sea and distribute the products to Malabon, Navotas and nearby areas.
During the operation, operatives confiscated at least six containers containing around 290 liters of diesel fuel, three steel storage tanks, a 20,000-liter fuel tanker, a 40,000-liter fuel tanker and a mini tanker, all with a combined estimated value of P6.6 million.
Fuel products were also found recklessly stored in open pails scattered on the ground.
Guiagui said the improper storage of petroleum products poses a serious fire and explosion hazard to nearby residents.
Police also seized a diesel pump and several delivery receipts.
The suspects will face charges for violating Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, which prohibits the illegal sale or distribution of petroleum products for profit without the necessary license, and Presidential Decree 1865, or the Illegal Trading in Petroleum Products law, as amended by BP 33.
“These are just their henchmen. The masterminds aren’t really in the area. But we filed charges against them. Once their warrants come out, we’ll arrest them,” Guiagui said.
He declined to identify the alleged masterminds but later said they were Filipinos.
Guiagui said the scheme had become a business in the area, adding that the suspects even offered him P200,000 in exchange for his cooperation. This led to an additional charge of attempted corruption of public officials.
