MALIDEGAO, BARMM — Authorities arrested a pickup truck driver after illegal petroleum products were discovered during a checkpoint operation conducted by the Malidegao Municipal Police Station (MPS) late Monday night, January 26, in Barangay Batulawan, Malidegao, within the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The arrest took place at around 9:45 p.m. when police personnel flagged down a Mazda pickup truck bearing plate number MCW 9245. Upon inspection and verification, officers found nine blue plastic drums filled with oil allegedly being transported without the required documents or certification from the Department of Energy (DOE).
In an interview, PCapt. Vilma Dimaraw, Acting Commander of the Malidegao MPS, said the operation was carried out under the supervision of the SGA Ground Commander and Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Police Director PCOL Victor Rito.
The suspect was identified as alias “Jihad,” 37, married, and a resident of Upper Minganding, Aleosan, North Cotabato.
More alarming, authorities revealed that the seized petroleum products were allegedly owned by an active police officer assigned under the Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12). Police said the claim is now the subject of verification and further investigation.
Both the suspect and the confiscated evidence are currently under the custody of the Malidegao MPS for documentation and proper disposition.
Police said charges may be filed against the driver and the alleged police owner for violation of Presidential Decree No. 1865 in relation to Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, which penalizes illegal retailing or selling of petroleum products.
Authorities emphasized that no one is above the law and vowed to pursue the case to its full extent, especially with allegations involving a member of the police force.