CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Authorities in Barangay Kauswagan have uncovered and shut down an illegal fuel theft operation following a series of complaints from trucking service companies whose parked vehicles were allegedly siphoned of diesel and gasoline.
Barangay officials said multiple reports were received from trucking services claiming that fuel was being stolen from their vehicles while parked in the area. Acting on these complaints, Barangay Captain Jan-jan Lim ordered an immediate investigation, which led to the identification of individuals allegedly behind the repeated thefts.
Through coordinated monitoring, barangay personnel traced where the stolen fuel was being brought and discovered a hidden storage site where the diesel and gasoline were reportedly being repacked and sold illegally by the liter. The operation was conducted with the assistance of barangay tanods, citing the activity as illegal and a serious fire hazard that posed risks to nearby residents.
The caretaker of the makeshift fuel storage was apprehended during the operation and was immediately turned over to the Philippine National Police for proper investigation and the filing of appropriate charges.
Barangay officials stressed that the swift action was necessary not only to stop the recurring thefts but also to prevent potential accidents caused by unsafe storage of flammable substances. Authorities warned that similar illegal activities will be dealt with decisively to protect public safety and prevent further losses to businesses operating in the area.