PNP arrests illegal fuel seller in Masbate

An individual was arrested for allegedly selling fuel illegally in Masbate, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday.

In a statement, the PNP said the suspect, identified as 40-year-old alias Rolly was apprehended during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Tan-awan, Placer last Tuesday.

The operation was conducted jointly by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Masbate Provincial Field Unit and the Placer Municipal Police Station under the Masbate Provincial Police Office.

Authorities said the suspect was caught in the act of selling gasoline in violation of Batas Pambansa Bilang 33, as amended by Presidential Decree 1865.

During the operation, five liters of gasoline used in the buy-bust were seized, along with 75 soft drink bottles, each containing 1 liter of gasoline, and 22 plastic containers, each containing an estimated 15 liters of gasoline.

The total estimated market value of the confiscated fuel was at P38,475, according to the PNP.

“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to uphold the law and maintain fair market practices. Hindi puwede ang hoarding at profiteering lalo na sa panahon ngayon,” PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

(Hoarding and profiteering are unacceptable, especially now.)

The suspect and the confiscated petroleum products were turned over to the CIDG Masbate Provincial Field Unit for documentation and the filing of appropriate charges in court, the PNP said. —LDF, GMA Integrated News