Twenty-Seven Cases Of Fuel-Related Violations Filed In The Philippines – PNP

MANILA, April 19 (Bernama-PNA) -- At least 27 cases have been filed for fuel hoarding and profiteering violations in the Philippines, the Philippine News Agency  (PNA) reported, citing the Philippine National Police (PNP) news release.

Since March, authorities have filed seven cases of hoarding, one case of profiteering, and 19 other offences involving illegal storage, transport, and trading of petroleum products.

On Friday, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Agusan del Norte Provincial Field Unit arrested two male suspects, identified by their aliases “Ando” and “Bote,” in Barangay Santa Ana, Tubay for oil pilferage or locally known as “paihi.”

The truck driver and a helper were reportedly caught while siphoning fuel from a tanker truck into barrels and smaller containers for unauthorised trading.

The tanker truck, which reportedly came from Cagayan de Oro City, stopped along the roadside where the unlawful transfer was carried out.

Seized was trailer tanker containing petroleum products, including one barrel with an estimated volume of 180 liters. The total value of the seized evidence was estimated at PHP6.6 million.

The PNP said gas stations that temporarily closed due to supply constraints are at 294 out of 14,527 nationwide.

Enforcement efforts are being carried out in coordination with the Department of Energy and Price Monitoring Council of local government units.

They are in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure stability amid global developments affecting fuel supply.

-- BERNAMA-PNA