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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PNP runs after 'big fish' in P9.7 M illegal fuel trading in Navotas

PNP runs after 'big fish' in P9.7 M illegal fuel trading in Navotas

Published Apr 8, 2026 07:01 pm
Police investigators are digging deeper to identify all the financiers in the illegal trade of P9.75 million worth of diesel in Navotas City where nine people were arrested on Tuesday, April 7.
Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said he already tasked the investigators to trace possible links to a wider network, adding that a financial probe is also being prepared to track the flow of funds and profits tied to the operation.
“This is a massive hit against the ‘paihi’ syndicates. This operation proves our resolve: we will not stop to cut their supply chain. We are hitting them where it hurts—their pockets,” said Nartatez.
He said the operation is a major blow against organized illegal fuel activities, particularly the so-called “paihi” scheme that has long persisted in port areas, amid skyrocketing fuel prices in the market due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Nartatez noted that similar schemes often involve mobile depots and coordinated distribution across coastal communities.
“We are currently conducting a thorough investigation to identify the ‘big fish’ behind this operation. We must close in on the mastermind and arrest them,” Nartatez said.
Nine men were arrested while 65,000 liters of diesel worth P9.75 million were seized in a noontime operation at the Navotas Fish Port complex in Barangay North Bay Boulevard South (NBBS), Navotas City on Tuesday, April 7.
Police said the raid stemmed from a tip by a concerned citizen who reported a suspected illegal fuel transfer operation in the area. Accordingly, the operatives caught the suspects in the act of transferring fuel. When confronted, the suspects failed to present any documents authorizing the transport and storage of petroleum products.
Seized during the operation were a fuel tanker carrying 15,000 liters of diesel, a weathered steel cargo vessel used as a depot containing 50,000 liters of diesel, two fuel hoses and two Promax pumps.
The suspects are facing charges for violation of Presidential Decree 1865 in relation to Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, which penalize illegal trading of petroleum products.
Meanwhile, PGEN Nartatez directed local commanders to strengthen port and coastal patrols, especially in high-risk areas such as Navotas.
He said coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Customs will also be expanded as part of a broader crackdown on illegal fuel trade.

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