Photo courtesy of PNP
Police arrested two people after allegedly catching them transferring diesel fuel from an improvised tanker truck to a van in Barangay Cabaruan, Cauayan City.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group carried out the operation on August 17 following information on a suspected unauthorized petroleum transfer, locally known as “paihi.”
Authorities apprehended a man and a woman, both of legal age, during the operation.
Police also secured the tanker truck, van and petroleum products involved, with a combined estimated value of Php 1,518,800.
The PNP said unauthorized fuel transfers may pose safety risks to nearby communities and consumers while affecting legitimate petroleum businesses.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said the operation was not only about the fuel involved but also about public safety and proper enforcement.
“Hindi lang ito tungkol sa produktong nasasangkot; tungkol ito sa kaligtasan ng mga tao at sa patas na pagpapatupad ng batas. We will continue to act on legitimate reports and make sure that every operation is guided by facts, law, and due process,” Nartatez said.
The two suspects remain subject to investigation and appropriate legal proceedings, with the PNP stressing that they are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.