‘PAIHI GANG’ BUSTED IN AGUSAN

Members of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group on Friday arrested two men believed to be part of a syndicate engaged in pilferage and illegal trading of petroleum products in Caraga region

According to PNP-CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander A. Morico II, the suspects – a truck driver and his helper – were arrested in an operation in Bgy. Sta. Ana in Tubay, Agusan del Norte.

Recovered during the sting conducted by operatives from the CIDG Agusan del Norte Provincial Field Unit were a trailer tanker containing some P6.620 million worth of pilfered fuel.

The suspect were caught in the act of illegally transferring fuel from the tanker into barrels and small containers purposedly to trade them in the local market.

The tanker truck reportedly came from Cagayan De Oro City and stopped along the road in Bgy. Sta. Ana where the two began siphoning off the content of the tanker, arousing the suspicion of some residents.

The residents immediately sought the help of the CIDG Regional Field Unit 13 and the CIDG Agusan del Norte Provincial Field Unit, who arrested the suspect.

According to Morico, the State protects the public interest and national security by strengthening the regulation of petroleum products.

He said that under Batas Pambansa Bilang 33, it is illegal to sell or distribute petroleum products for profit without the necessary license or authority.

Presidential Decree 1865 also addresses emerging unfair trade practices and ensure energy conservation.