CIDG NABS 3 MEN FOR ILLEGAL SALE OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS IN BATAAN

BY KEVIN GALANG

ABUCAY, Bataan – Police on Thursday arrested three men during a buy-bust operation targeting the illegal trade of petroleum products in Bgy. Mabatang, Abucay, Bataan.

Arrested were alias “Anjo,” 22, of Sitio Grego, Calaylayan, Abucay, Bataan; alias “Mesina,” 53, of Bgy. Banaba, Tarlac City; and alias “Felipe,” 47, of Bo. Central, Balanga City, Bataan.

According to Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit 3 chief Col. Grant Gollod, the buy-bust was part of the “Oplan LIGAS”  drive.

Members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Bataan Provincial Field Unit, in coordination with CIDG Regional Field Unit NCR, the Philippine Highway Patrol Team (PHPT) Bataan, and the Abucay police launched the operation.

Gollod said the suspects were caught in the act of hauling petroleum products from a tanker truck into unauthorized containers.

Confiscated were a container with at least 25 liters of diesel used as the buy-bust item, a diesel pumping machine, a modified plastic funnel, two hoses, an Isuzu Giga tanker truck with plate number JAN 9222, 18 drums filled with petroleum products, and the buy-bust money.

The confiscated petroleum products were estimated to be worth P234,000.

Police said the suspects were unable to show the necessary permits or authorization from the Department of Energy (DOE) to transport petroleum products, prompting the arrest.

The suspects were brought to the CIDG Bataan Provincial Field Unit and will be charged with violation of Section 2 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 33 as amended by Presidential Decree 1865, which penalizes illegal selling of petroleum products.