A BIG-TIME “paihi syndicate” operating in Central Visayas was smashed by agents of the Philippine National Police during an operation in Mandaue City in Cebu province which led to the seizure of some P20.5 million worth of pilfered fuel and the arrest of 13 suspects, a report to PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said on Thursday.
According to PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander A. Morico II, they dismantled the illegal fuel transfer operation before dawn Tuesday at the Ouano Wharf in Bgy. Looc, Mandaue City cutting short the unlawful movement of petroleum products at the port area.
The operation came amid the order of Nartatez for the PNP-CIDG to further intensify its enforcement against economic offenses that undermine lawful trade and public interest.
Joint operatives of the CIDG Mandaue City Field Unit and CIDG Regional Field Unit 7, with support from the Mandaue City Police Station 5 and the Mandaue Coast Guard, conducted the operation against the illegal transfer, sale, and distribution of petroleum products.
Thirteen suspects arrested during the sting are facing criminal charges for violation of Presidential Decree No. 1865.
Recovered from the site were 14 drums containing diesel fuel, 10 empty petroleum drums and six empty containers, a Bonggo truck, a six-wheeler Elf truck, a 30-meter long hose connected from the vessel to the truck and a tanker vessel.
The total estimated market value of the confiscated petroleum products, transport vehicles, and tanker vessel reached P20.514 million.
Nartatez delivered a firm warning against those engaged in illegal fuel activities in the aftermath of the latest PNP-CIDG operation.
“We will not tolerate unauthorized petroleum operations that violate regulatory laws and compromise public safety. Those responsible will face the full force of the law. Hindi namin papayagan ang ganitong gawain. Ang sinumang lalabag ay pananagutin,” he said.
“Our enforcement actions will remain consistent and sustained, especially in vital facilities such as ports and transport hubs. The Philippine National Police will continue to pursue offenders without hesitation. Patuloy ang aming operasyon upang tiyakin na walang makakalusot na ilegal na aktibidad sa ating mga pantalan,” the top cop added.
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