AUTHORITIES are pursuing the mastermind behind a large-scale illegal diesel operation uncovered in Navotas City, as the Philippine National Police (PNP) intensified a nationwide campaign against fuel pilferage and unauthorized petroleum trading.
The operation, carried out on April 7 at the Navotas Fish Port Complex, led to the seizure of about 65,000 liters of diesel valued at about P9.75 million. Police said the raid dealt a significant setback to organized fuel smuggling networks operating in coastal and port areas.
The joint operation involved the Philippine Coast Guard, the PNP Highway Patrol Group-Regional Highway Patrol Unit-National Capital Region and the PNP Maritime Group, in coordination with the Department of Energy.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said investigators are now working to identify the individual orchestrating the operation, with a parallel financial probe under way to trace the flow of funds and profits linked to the illegal fuel trade.
“We are looking at possible connections to a wider network. Financial tracking is ongoing to determine the extent of this operation,” Nartatez said.
Recovered during the raid were a fuel tanker containing 15,000 liters of diesel, a steel cargo vessel used as a temporary depot holding 50,000 liters, and equipment such as hoses and pumps used for illicit fuel transfers.
Authorities initially reported the arrest of multiple individuals during the operation, with at least nine suspects now facing criminal charges related to illegal possession and distribution of petroleum products. Police are preparing complaints in coordination with the Department of Energy to strengthen the case against those involved.
Nartatez said the crackdown forms part of a broader directive to intensify operations against fuel pilferage, locally known as “paihi,” warning that those engaged in the illegal activity would face the full force of the law.
“This illegal activity poses real danger to our communities. We want to send a strong message that those who ignore our warnings will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.
The intensified campaign follows a separate discovery of an unlicensed diesel stockpile inside a residential compound in Quezon City, where authorities found drums of fuel allegedly being transferred from tankers into smaller containers.
The National Capital Region Police Office has been ordered to conduct a thorough investigation into the Quezon City operation, including determining how long the depot had been active and whether similar hubs are operating in other areas.
“We are already coordinating with the Department of Energy to ensure a solid case buildup against those involved,” Nartatez said.
Police said operations against illegal fuel activities will continue nationwide, focusing on dismantling supply networks, ensuring compliance with regulations and preventing safety hazards linked to unregulated storage and transport of petroleum products.
