CAMP OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga — Police arrested four individuals and seized approximately P879,000 worth of petroleum products in an operation targeting the alleged unauthorized sale and distribution of fuel in Magalang, Pampanga, on Friday (October 9).
The operation was conducted by the personnel of the Regional Special Operations Group of the Regional Intelligence Division 3 (RSOG-RID3) as part of its sustained campaign against the illegal fuel trade in Central Luzon led by P/Lt. Col. Lory Tarrazona, Chief RID, in coordination with the Magalang Municipal Police Station, Pampanga Police Provincial Office, at a gasoline station along Ninoy Aquino Road, Barangay San Roque, Magalang, Pampanga, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The four arrested individuals, composed of three pump attendants and a cashier, were allegedly caught selling petroleum products without the necessary regulatory authorization from the Department of Energy (DOE).
Police also identified the establishment’s owner, who was not present during the operation, as another subject of the investigation.
Authorities secured two fuel dispensers containing an estimated 10,000 liters of petroleum products valued at approximately P879,000. Also recovered were sales invoices, the P1,000 marked money used during the test-buy, and P25,507 in cash believed to be proceeds from fuel sales.
The four individuals were taken into police custody for documentation and appropriate legal proceedings in connection with alleged violations of Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1865, which penalizes certain prohibited acts involving petroleum products.
PRO3 Director P/ Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez emphasized that the operation forms part of the continuing efforts of the Philippine National Police to strengthen law enforcement against illegal commercial activities that may compromise consumer protection and public safety.
“Fuel is an essential commodity that affects the daily lives of our people. Businesses engaged in its sale and distribution must comply with the law and applicable safety standards. This operation is not simply about making arrests. It is about protecting consumers, ensuring accountability, and preventing unlawful practices that may put communities at risk,” Mendez said.
“We will continue working closely with regulatory agencies and local authorities to address these violations. Our objective is to ensure that legitimate businesses operate fairly, consumers are protected, and our communities remain safe,” RD Mendez added. (UnliNews Online)
