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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Minalas sa paihi': 9 arrested in Navotas for illegal selling of 65,000 liters of diesel

'Minalas sa paihi': 9 arrested in Navotas for illegal selling of 65,000 liters of diesel

Published Apr 7, 2026 11:04 pm
photo: PNP
photo: PNP
It all started with a raw information from a tipster and ended with the police confiscating 65,000 liters of diesel allegedly being sold illegally—and take note, with free delivery package deal.
The confiscation of the petroleum product worth around P9.7 million, along with a tanker  and a cargo vessel at the Pier 5, of the Navotas Fish-fort complex, came just as national police chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. ordered police commanders to intensify the operation against fuel pilferage or “paihi”.
“This illegal activity poses real danger to our communities. We want to send a strong message that those who would dare to ignore our warning on this matter will be dealt with the full force of the law,” said Nartatez.
And the pressure of that full force of the law will be felt by the nine people who were arrested during the operation in Navotas as they will be slapped with criminal charges in connection with the seized petroleum product.
HPG director Police Brig. Gen. Rommel Batangan said his men from the National Capital Region immediately tailed a tanker with a fake license plate which was allegedly being used to distribute the petroleum product.
It led to the interception of the tanker loaded with 15,000 liters of diesel and after coordinating with the police’s Maritime Group and the Philippine Coast Guard, Batangan said they were able to locate the barge carrying more diesel product, around 50,000 more liters.
“We caught nine people in the area and when our inquired for the pertinent documents, they failed to present them. This led to their arrest and the seizure of the petroleum products,” said Batangan.
The official said they are now conducting investigation to determine the big bosses of the nine arrested suspects, as well as the origin of the confiscated diesel. 
The operation was carried out as the PNP stepped up intelligence-gathering and operation against hoarders and those who want to exploit the soaring prices of petroleum products.
Nartatez lauded the successful operation and vowed to sustain the campaign against energy-related illegal activities.
“These activities threaten public safety and the legitimate fuel supply. We will sustain our operations to hold those responsible accountable,” said Nartatez.
He also underscored the role of the public in maintaining safety as he vowed that any establishment of illegal fuel depots will be dealt with firmly.
“Public safety is a shared responsibility. If you see suspicious activities, like illegal fuel transfers in residential areas, report it immediately to the nearest police station or through our hotlines. Your vigilance is our best defense,” Nartatez said.

Related Tags

PNP HPG Navotas City fuel pilferage paihi
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