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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Three arrested in anti-petroleum pilferage operation in Quezon

Three arrested in anti-petroleum pilferage operation in Quezon

Published Oct 21, 2025 02:34 pm
Police caught three people while unloading methanol from this oil tanker during an anti-petroleum pilferage in Candelaria, Quezon. (photo: PNP)
Police caught three people while unloading methanol from this oil tanker during an anti-petroleum pilferage in Candelaria, Quezon. (photo: PNP)
Police arrested three people for their alleged involvement in the pilferage of petroleum products during an operation in Candelaria, Quezon early Tuesday morning, Oct. 21.
Police Lt. Gen, Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), lauded the operation, saying its success could be attributed to good intelligence works by the local police.
He said the three suspects were collared while in the act of unloading Methanol from an Isuzu ten-wheeler oil tanker truck into white plastic containers at around 2 a.m. on Tuesday in Sitio Cinderella, Barangay Sta. Catalina Sur, Candelaria.
Methanol is a common industrial solvent that can also be used as a fuel for internal combustion engines and feedstocks in the production of biodiesel.
Seized were seven pieces of white plastic containers containing gasoline; a white plastic container containing diesel; two motor pumps; and seven motor pump hoses worth ₱90,000.00.
“This successful operation was a result of good intelligence-gathering by our personnel on the ground. The immediate action of the Candelaria Municipal Police Station denied these criminal elements the opportunity to make money out of illegal activities,” said Nartatez.
The three suspects are now facing a case of violation of Presidential Decree 1865, or the Oil Pilferage Act, which penalizes actions “inimical to the public interests and national security involving petroleum products.”
“This should serve as a strong message to criminal elements that your PNP will not stop and will continue working hard to run after those who compromise peace and order and the rule of law,” said Nartatez.
A background investigation is now being conducted to determine the involvement of the three arrested suspects in similar activities, and to identify their cohorts in the illegal activity.
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