Photo courtesy of PNP
A fuel retailer allegedly operating without the required government authorization was raided in Masinloc, leading to the seizure of more than Php 2.6 million worth of petroleum products, police said.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said verification with the Department of Energy showed that the establishment in Barangay Inhobol had no valid Certificate of Compliance and was not authorized to operate or distribute petroleum products.
Police subsequently conducted a test-buy operation on Aug. 31, which resulted in the arrest of the station’s 33-year-old manager and two gasoline attendants, aged 19 and 21.
Authorities recovered more than 33,000 liters of fuel from the establishment, including diesel, unleaded gasoline and premium gasoline.
The seized products consisted of 10,437 liters of diesel, 14,312 liters of unleaded gasoline and 8,500 liters of premium gasoline. Police placed their total market value at Php 2,608,264.60.
Investigators also secured business and transaction records that could help determine the establishment’s regulatory compliance and operations.
Police said a complaint for alleged violation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, as amended, was being prepared against the three suspects for inquest proceedings.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said enforcement operations should be supported by verified information and evidence while observing proper legal procedures.
