4 NABBED FOR ILLEGAL SALE OF DIESEL IN TARLAC

BY KEVIN GALANG

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — Two separate buy-bust operations conducted by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) resulted in the arrest of four suspects and the confiscation of more than P227,000 worth of illegally-traded diesel in Tarlac.

CIDG Regional Field Unit 3 chief Col. Grant Gollod said operatives from the CIDG Tarlac Provincial Field Unit led by Lt. Col. Arvin Hosmillo launched the joint operations with the local police that led to the arrest of the  suspects engaged in the unauthorized sale of petroleum products.

Arrested in the buy-bust operation on Thursday in Bgy. Burot, Tarlac City was alias “Mel,” 36, and alias “Dick,” 23.

The duo were caught selling diesel without the necessary permits from the Department of Energy, in violation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, as amended by Presidential Decree 1865.

Seized were the marked money and multiple containers of diesel, including two 15-liter containers used in the transaction, 22 containers holding 10 liters each, eight containers containing 20 liters each, a hose, an improvised funnel, and a pitcher.

The total estimated value of confiscated items reached P51,125.

A day earlier, another buy-bust operation was conducted on MacArthur Highway in Bgy. Dolores, Capas, Tarlac that resulted in the arrest of alias “Kris,” 21, and  alias “Lita,” 33, who yielded a 220-liter drum, multiple 10-liter containers, and 20-liter containers, valued at P176,000.

Gollod said the operations stemmed from information provided by a confidential informant regarding the suspects’ illegal retail and distribution of petroleum products in the area.

The official said that the diesel being sold by the suspects was sourced from truck and fuel tanker drivers who allegedly siphoned fuel from vehicles under their control.

All arrested suspects are now under the custody of the CIDG Tarlac PFU facing charges for violation of B.P. 33, as amended, which penalizes illegal acts involving petroleum products deemed harmful to public interest and national security.

The CIDG RFU3 chief reiterated their warning against the illegal trading of petroleum products, stressing that such activities not only violate the law but also pose safety risks and economic losses.