24/06/2026
PNP BUSTS ILLEGAL FUEL SCHEME IN NAVOTAS CITY; 10 ARRESTED, ₱12-MILLION WORTH OF ASSETS RECOVERED
The Philippine National Police (PNP), through the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), successfully disrupted an alleged illegal petroleum trading activity in Navotas City on the evening of June 22, 2026, resulting in the arrest of ten individuals and the seizure of approximately ₱12 million worth of petroleum products, equipment, and transport assets.
The operation was conducted by personnel of the CIDG National Capital Region Field Unit in coordination with maritime police units. Authorities intercepted an oil tanker and related equipment allegedly being used in an unauthorized fuel transfer scheme commonly referred to as “paihi,” which affects legitimate trade operations and poses risks to public safety and the environment.
Seized during the operation were significant volumes of suspected diesel fuel, transport vehicles, motorized boats, siphoning equipment, and operational buy-bust money.
The arrested individuals, all adult Filipino males aged 20 to 58, were informed of the nature of their arrest and apprised of their constitutional rights in a language they fully understood. They are currently under the custody of the CIDG for documentation and filing of appropriate charges.
The operation is in line with the PNP’s Focused Agenda on Enhanced Managing Police Operations, targeting organized and illegal activities that undermine public welfare, economic stability, and environmental protection. It likewise supports the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen enforcement actions against unlawful trade practices and other activities that harm regulated industries.
PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., commended the operating units for the successful operation.
“Hindi lamang ito usapin ng paglabag sa batas. Kapag may iligal na kalakalan ng produktong petrolyo, naaapektuhan ang kabuhayan, kaligtasan, at tiwala ng publiko. Kaya patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating mga operasyon laban sa mga gawaing nagpapahina sa kaayusan at patas na kalakalan sa ating bansa,” PGen Nartatez said.
He further emphasized that all police operations remain anchored on professionalism and respect for human rights.
“Patuloy nating ipatutupad ang batas nang may integridad, malinaw na proseso, at paggalang sa karapatan ng bawat isa. Ang mahalaga ay napapanagot ang mga lumalabag habang nananatiling tapat tayo sa ating tungkulin bilang lingkod-bayan,” he added.
The PNP remains committed to sustained, lawful, and intelligence-driven operations against illegal activities, reinforcing public trust in line with Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.
(PNP-PIO)

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