CLAVER, Surigao del Norte — Authorities arrested 10 individuals, including a key suspect identified only as “Alias Intsik,” in a late-night anti-illegal fuel operation at Panatao Port in Barangay Panatao on April 13, 2026.
The operation, carried out at around 11:20 p.m., was led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Surigao del Norte Provincial Field Unit, with support from the Regional Maritime Unit 13, the Maritime Law Enforcement Team, and the Claver Municipal Police Station. It formed part of CIDG’s intensified campaign against illegal activities under Oplan Ligas.
According to CIDG reports, the suspects were caught in the act of transporting petroleum products without the required legal documents and permits. Authorities discovered that a motorized banca, locally known as a “bote-bote” and allegedly operated by Alias Intsik, had just docked at the port carrying multiple plastic drums filled with diesel fuel.
The fuel was reportedly being transferred to a waiting tanker truck and was believed intended for distribution to gasoline stations in the area.
Operatives moved in after observing the unloading activity and immediately conducted an inspection. However, the group failed to present any documentation for the fuel shipment, the vessel, or the tanker truck—prompting authorities to place all 10 individuals under arrest.
Seized during the operation were 20 drums of diesel fuel, an additional 30 empty drums, two water pumps, a hose, the motorized banca, and the tanker truck used in the transport. Authorities estimated the total value of the confiscated items at approximately ₱5.62 million, including around ₱600,000 worth of diesel fuel and several million pesos in equipment and transport vehicles.
Barangay officials were present during the operation to witness the arrest and seizure, ensuring transparency and proper procedure.
All suspects were apprised of their constitutional rights, including protections under the Anti-Torture Law, before being brought to the CIDG Surigao del Norte office for documentation and further investigation.
Authorities are now preparing charges against the suspects for violation of Presidential Decree No. 1865, which penalizes unauthorized dealing, distribution, and transport of petroleum products.
Investigators are also pursuing deeper leads to determine the scope of the operation and identify possible links to a larger illegal fuel distribution network operating in Surigao del Norte and nearby areas.