REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
PNP Busts P62 Million Illegal Diesel Operation In Batangas
Photo credit: PNP
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has stepped up its campaign against the illegal petroleum trade after authorities seized more than P62.2 million worth of diesel fuel and a tugboat during a law enforcement operation in the waters off Batangas.
The operation, carried out from the evening of July 9 to July 10, was led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit 4A (CIDG RFU4A), together with the CIDG Batangas Provincial Field Unit and the Batangas Maritime Police Station.
Seven Filipino suspects were arrested for allegedly engaging in the unauthorized sale of petroleum products. Authorities recovered a tugboat loaded with around 31,199 liters of diesel fuel, five plastic containers filled with diesel, and the marked money used in the operation. The total value of the seized tugboat and fuel was estimated at ₱62,294,027.
The suspects are now under the custody of CIDG RFU4A for documentation and the filing of appropriate charges, while the recovered tugboat has been turned over to the Batangas Maritime Police Station.
The PNP said the successful operation is part of its ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal economic activities that hurt legitimate businesses, reduce government revenue, and pose risks to public safety. The campaign also supports the government's push to strengthen law enforcement against organized illegal operations.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. praised the operating teams for their coordinated efforts and stressed that the crackdown on illegal activities will continue nationwide.
"Malaki man o maliit ang operasyon, pareho ang mensahe natin—walang puwang ang mga iligal na gawain na nakaaapekto sa kabuhayan ng ating mga mamamayan at sa ekonomiya ng bansa. Patuloy tayong kikilos nang patas, ayon sa batas, at may paggalang sa karapatan ng bawat isa," PGen. Nartatez said.
He also called on the public to continue working with authorities by reporting illegal activities, saying community cooperation remains vital in maintaining peace, order, and public safety across the country.
The operation, carried out from the evening of July 9 to July 10, was led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit 4A (CIDG RFU4A), together with the CIDG Batangas Provincial Field Unit and the Batangas Maritime Police Station.
Seven Filipino suspects were arrested for allegedly engaging in the unauthorized sale of petroleum products. Authorities recovered a tugboat loaded with around 31,199 liters of diesel fuel, five plastic containers filled with diesel, and the marked money used in the operation. The total value of the seized tugboat and fuel was estimated at ₱62,294,027.
The suspects are now under the custody of CIDG RFU4A for documentation and the filing of appropriate charges, while the recovered tugboat has been turned over to the Batangas Maritime Police Station.
The PNP said the successful operation is part of its ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal economic activities that hurt legitimate businesses, reduce government revenue, and pose risks to public safety. The campaign also supports the government's push to strengthen law enforcement against organized illegal operations.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. praised the operating teams for their coordinated efforts and stressed that the crackdown on illegal activities will continue nationwide.
"Malaki man o maliit ang operasyon, pareho ang mensahe natin—walang puwang ang mga iligal na gawain na nakaaapekto sa kabuhayan ng ating mga mamamayan at sa ekonomiya ng bansa. Patuloy tayong kikilos nang patas, ayon sa batas, at may paggalang sa karapatan ng bawat isa," PGen. Nartatez said.
He also called on the public to continue working with authorities by reporting illegal activities, saying community cooperation remains vital in maintaining peace, order, and public safety across the country.
Jul 13, 2026
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