9 nabbed in Navotas for illegal trade of P9.7M in petrol products

Nine men were arrested in Navotas City on Tuesday afternoon for their alleged involvement in the illegal trade of petroleum worth P9.7 million, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

The PNP’s Highway Patrol Group (HPG) – RHPU NCR, Maritime Group, and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) carried out the operation at the Navotas Fish Port Complex in Barangay NBBS after receiving a tip about the suspected illegal distribution of fuel products in the area.

Authorities caught the suspects in the act and arrested them after they failed to present the required documents.

The suspects were aged 21 to 57 and worked as drivers and helpers, while one worked as vessel captain.

Authorities seized a fuel tanker loaded with approximately 15,000 liters of diesel and a cargo vessel being used as a makeshift depot containing about 50,000 liters more. Authorities also recovered fuel hoses and pumping equipment.

The total volume of confiscated diesel is around 65,000 liters and is worth P9.75 million.

“Hindi natin papayagan ang ganitong ilegal na gawain na naglalagay sa panganib sa ating mga kababayan. Tuloy-tuloy ang ating aksyon laban dito,” said PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

(We will not allow these illegal activities to endanger our countrymen. We will continue to act against these.)

“These activities threaten public safety and the legitimate fuel supply. We will sustain our operations to hold those responsible accountable,” he added.

The PNP reminded the public to be vigilant and report suspicious activities amid the energy crisis.

“Sa gitna ng mga pandaigdigang tensyon na may epekto sa presyo ng langis, mas lalo nating dapat bantayan ang mga umaabuso sa sitwasyon,” Nartatez said.

(Amid the global tensions that have an effect on oil prices, we should keep a closer eye on those taking advantage of the situation.)

The nine arrested suspects are now in police custody and and will face charges for violation of laws on the illegal trade of petroleum products. — JMA, GMA News