Authorities arrested 10 men for alleged pilferage of petroleum products referred to locally as “Paihi” and seized a trailer tanker containing 20 drums of diesel fuel at Panatao Port in Claver, Surigao del Norte.

According to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the suspects were allegedly caught in the act of transferring petroleum products illegally and transporting them on April 13, 2026.

CIDG said the alleged “Paihi” operation occured when the suspects allegedly transferred the fuel products from a motorized banca, which was docked at the port, into the tanker truck.

The fuel products are allegedly intended for distribution to various gasoline stations within Surigao without the authority from the Department of Energy (DOE).

Also seized during the operation were water pumps, a hose, empty drums, and the motorized banca allegedly used in the “Paihi” scheme.

The estimated value of all items seized reached more than P5.6 million.

CIDG Director, Major General Robert Morico II, explained that selling or distributing petroleum products for profit without the necessary license or authority is illegal under Batas Pambansa Blg.33.

“This anti “paihi” operations aimed to combat economic sabotage and secure national revenue,” CIDG said.