Photo courtesy of PNP
Police arrested seven people and seized more than Php 62.2 million worth of alleged illegally traded diesel fuel during a maritime operation in Batangas, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
The operation was conducted on July 9 and 10 by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit 4A and the Batangas Maritime Police Station, where they intercepted a tugboat carrying about 31,199 liters of diesel fuel.
The arrested suspects were allegedly involved in the unauthorized retail sale of petroleum products. They also recovered five plastic containers filled with diesel and marked money used in the operation.
The recovered tugboat and fuel were valued at an estimated Php 62,294,027.
Meanwhile, the suspects were placed under the custody of CIDG Regional Field Unit 4A for documentation and the filing of charges, while the tugboat was turned over to the Batangas Maritime Police Station.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police would continue cracking down on illegal petroleum trading and other unlawful economic activities while ensuring operations remain lawful and evidence-based.
He also urged the public to report suspected illegal activities, saying community cooperation plays a key role in law enforcement efforts.