By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Authorities arrested six persons and seized about PHP8.9 million worth of petroleum products during an operation in Caloocan City, the Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) said Tuesday.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP-HPG spokesperson Lt. Nadame Malang said the suspects were caught on April 16 allegedly violating Presidential Decree 1865 in relation to Batas Pambansa Bilang 33, which penalizes the illegal handling and distribution of petroleum products.
Operatives allegedly caught the group transferring methanol into plastic containers already filled with gasoline and diesel.
“Nakita talaga sa akto na talagang nagsasalin sila ng methanol going doon sa plastic containers, which is bawal kasi mayroon tayong authorized depot sa paglilipat ng ganitong uri ng liquids (Operatives really saw the suspects in the act of transferring the methanol from the tanker to the plastic containers, which is not allowed since we have authorized depots in which to transfer these kinds of liquids),” Malang said.
Malang said the practice is used to increase fuel volume and profit.
Seized during the operation were around 10,000 liters of methanol; 8,000 liters of unleaded gasoline; 1,000 liters of premium gasoline; and 1,000 liters of diesel.
Malang said the suspects were aware the adulterated fuel was being sold to private trucking firms but failed to present proper documents.
He added that the tanker owner has been identified and invited for investigation, while buyers have yet to be determined.
Authorities warned that mixing methanol with fuel — often done to stretch supply — can damage engines and pose serious fire hazards.
‘Gas-and-go’
Meanwhile, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) on Tuesday reported the arrest of two suspects linked to a “gas-and-go” incident at a gasoline station in Barangay Payatas.
QCPD director Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio said a motorist driving a white Toyota Vios fled without paying for PHP1,500 worth of fuel at around 3:10 a.m. on Monday.
Police tracked the vehicle through Land Transportation Office records, leading to the arrest of suspects identified as alias “Tyron” and alias “Ricky” in Rodriguez, Rizal.
A third suspect, an alias “Botchoy,” remains at large.
“We will ensure the arrest of the remaining suspect. We urge anyone with relevant information on his whereabouts to immediately report to the nearest police station or contact E911 or the QC Helpline 122,” Silvio said.
The two arrested suspects will face estafa charges, while a manhunt continues for the remaining suspect. (PNA)
