CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) arrested eight individuals during an entrapment operation against the alleged unauthorized sale and distribution of petroleum products at a gasoline station in Barangay Sta. Catalina Maluid, Victoria, Tarlac on Thursday (Oct. 1).
Personnel of RSOG-RID3, with the assistance of Victoria MPS under the supervision of P/Lt. Col. Lory Tarrazona, Chief, Regional Intelligence Division, conducted the operation after receiving information on the reported unauthorized trading of petroleum products.
Two individuals were initially caught allegedly selling fuel without the required authority or regulatory compliance.
Based on the report, during the operation, police also observed the transfer of petroleum products between two tanker trucks with indicated capacities of 20,000 liters and 60,000 liters amounting to P1,002,300.00. Six other individuals allegedly involved in the activity were subsequently arrested.
Authorities secured the two tanker trucks, fuel dispensers, sales invoices, marked money, and reported sales proceeds for documentation and further investigation.
Appropriate charges for alleged violation of B.P. Blg. 33, as amended by P.D. No. 1865, are being prepared. B.P. Blg. 33 prohibits illegal trading in petroleum products, including sale or distribution for profit without government license or authority.
PRO3 Director P/Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez said the operation reflects the command’s continuing effort to protect communities and legitimate businesses from unauthorized petroleum activities.
“Petroleum products require proper handling and regulation because unauthorized activities can pose risks to consumers and nearby communities. We will continue to act on verified information and enforce the law through proper and coordinated police operations,” Mendez said. (UnliNews Online)
