06/06/2026
PNP ARRESTS 3 IN TUGUEGARAO CRUDE OIL THEFT; FI****MS, SHABU SEIZED
The Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of PNP Chief, PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., arrested three individuals and seized fi****ms, equipment allegedly used in crude oil theft, and suspected illegal drugs during an operation conducted on June 5, 2026, in Brgy. Libag Norte, Tuguegarao City.
Acting on information obtained through CCTV surveillance from the Tuguegarao Command Center, authorities monitored a white Hi-Ace commuter van allegedly linked to a series of crude oil theft incidents in the city. Upon reaching Maharlika Highway in Brgy. Libag Norte, one of the occupants was observed entering the perimeter of a facility, prompting an immediate police response and the deployment of SWAT units, which resulted in the arrest of three male suspects from Tabuk City, Kalinga.
Recovered from the suspects were two improvised caliber .22 rifles, 12 rounds of ammunition, two mobile phones, 11 empty gallons, two hoses believed to have been used for siphoning crude oil, and a vehicle license plate. Authorities also recovered five heat-sealed plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, all of which were properly secured for forensic examination.
All recovered items were inventoried at the scene in the presence of the suspects, a barangay official, and a representative from the Department of Justice, in accordance with established procedures. The suspects were subsequently brought to P*P Downtown for documentation and further investigation.
The operation underscores the PNP’s Focused Agenda, a transformation framework aimed at making police service more responsive and accountable, particularly through Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which strengthens field response and intelligence-driven actions against theft and other illegal activities affecting critical resources and public welfare.
The suspects will face charges for Attempted Theft, violation of Republic Act No. 10591 (Comprehensive Fi****ms and Ammunition Regulation Act), and violation of Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002). Further investigation is ongoing to identify possible accomplices and determine links to other related incidents.
PNP Chief, PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., emphasized that the organization will not tolerate criminal groups that exploit vulnerabilities in society.
“Hindi namin papayagan na samantalahin ng mga kriminal ang sitwasyon ng ating lipunan,” PGEN Nartatez said.
“The PNP will continue sustained operations to protect critical resources and maintain public safety,” he added.
As the PNP intensifies its campaign against theft and illegal drug-related activities under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it continues to assure the public of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”
(PNP-PIO)
