10 arrested, P12M in fuel products, equipment seized in 'paihi' scheme in Navotas

Authorities arrested 10 men and confiscated around P12 million worth of petroleum products, equipment, and transport assets during an illegal fuel trading activity in Navotas City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

In a statement, the PNP said the operation was conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s (CIDG) National Capital Region Field Unit on Monday evening, June 22.

Police intercepted an oil tanker and equipment that were allegedly used in an unauthorized fuel transfer scheme commonly referred to as “paihi.”

Seized were significant volumes of suspected diesel fuel, transport vehicles, motorized boats, siphoning equipment, and operational buy-bust money.

The arrested suspects are aged 20 to 58 and will be facing appropriate charges.

“Hindi lamang ito usapin ng paglabag sa batas. Kapag may iligal na kalakalan ng produktong petrolyo, naaapektuhan ang kabuhayan, kaligtasan, at tiwala ng publiko. Kaya patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating mga operasyon laban sa mga gawaing nagpapahina sa kaayusan at patas na kalakalan sa ating bansa,” said PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

(This is not just an issue of violating the law. If there are illegal trading of petroleum product, the public’s livelihood, safety, and trust is affected. So we will intensify our operations aginst activities that weaken the orderly and fair trade in our country.)

“Patuloy nating ipatutupad ang batas nang may integridad, malinaw na proseso, at paggalang sa karapatan ng bawat isa. Ang mahalaga ay napapanagot ang mga lumalabag habang nananatiling tapat tayo sa ating tungkulin bilang lingkod-bayan,” he added.

(We will continue to enforce the law with integrity, clear processes, and respect for everyone’s rights. The important thing is to hold violators accountable while remaining faithful to our duty as public servants.) — JMA, GMA News