CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Four suspects were arrested while P879,000 worth of petroleum products were recovered in police operations against the alleged unauthorized sale and distribution of fuel in Magalang, Pampanga, on Oct. 9.
Police said those arrested were three pump attendants and a cashier caught selling petroleum products without the necessary regulatory authorization from the Department of Energy.
The operation was conducted the Regional Special Operations Group of the Regional Intelligence Division 3, in coordination with the Magalang Municipal Police Station and Pampanga Police Provincial Office, at a gasoline station along Ninoy Aquino Road, Barangay San Roque, Magalang.
Police also identified the establishment’s owner, who was not present during the operation, as another subject of the investigation.
Secured by the police were two fuel dispensers containing an estimated 10,000 liters of petroleum products valued at approximately P879,000. Also recovered were sales invoices, the P1,000 marked money used during the test-buy, and P25,507 in cash believed to be proceeds from fuel sales.
The four suspects were taken into police custody for documentation and appropriate legal proceedings in connection with possible violations of Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1865, which penalizes certain prohibited acts involving petroleum products.
Police Regional Office 3 director BGen. Jess B. Mendez said the operation forms part of the continuing efforts of the Philippine National Police to strengthen law enforcement against illegal commercial activities that may compromise consumer protection and public safety.
“Fuel is an essential commodity that affects the daily lives of our people. Businesses engaged in its sale and distribution must comply with the law and applicable safety standards. This operation is not simply about making arrests. It is about protecting consumers, ensuring accountability, and preventing unlawful practices that may put communities at risk,” he said. PRO-3/Punto News Team
