04/10/2026
₱1-MILLION ILLEGAL FUEL TRADE BUSTED, 8 ARRESTED IN TARLAC
The Philippine National Police, under the command of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., arrested eight individuals in an entrapment operation targeting the alleged unauthorized sale and distribution of petroleum products in Victoria, Tarlac on October 1, 2026.
The operation was conducted by personnel of the Regional Special Operations Group of the Regional Intelligence Division 3 (RSOG-RID3), with assistance from the Victoria Municipal Police Station, following information concerning the unauthorized trading of petroleum products at a gasoline station in Barangay Sta. Catalina Maluid.
Two individuals were initially apprehended for allegedly selling fuel without the required government authority or regulatory compliance. During the operation, police personnel also observed the transfer of petroleum products between two tanker trucks with indicated capacities of 20,000 liters and 60,000 liters, involving petroleum products valued at ₱1,002,300.00.
Six other individuals allegedly involved in the activity were subsequently arrested, bringing the total number of persons apprehended to eight.
Authorities secured the two tanker trucks, fuel dispensers, sales invoices, marked money, and reported sales proceeds for documentation and further investigation. Appropriate charges for alleged violation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1865, are being prepared. The law prohibits, among others, the illegal trading, sale, or distribution of petroleum products for profit without the required government license or authority.
“This operation demonstrates our resolve to act on information and enforce laws that protect the public and legitimate businesses from unlawful petroleum trading. We will ensure that evidence is properly documented and that those found liable are brought before the proper authorities,” PGEN Nartatez said.
“Ang ganitong operasyon ay patunay na seryoso tayo sa pagpapatupad ng mga regulasyon. Paiigtingin natin ang mga hakbang laban sa mga gawaing lumalabag sa batas upang maprotektahan ang publiko at ang mga lehitimong negosyante,” he added.
The operation reflects the PNP Focused Agenda, a framework for transformation that strengthens police service, particularly through Enhanced Managing Police Operations in addressing illicit activities.
As the PNP strengthens enforcement against unlawful activities that threaten public safety and legitimate commerce under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it assures the public of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”
(PNP-PIO)