Authorities intensified their nationwide campaign against illegal fuel trading after operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested two suspects and confiscated millions worth of petroleum products in an early morning operation on April 17, 2026.
The operation, carried out at around 1:36 a.m. in Barangay Santa Ana, Tubay, Agusan del Norte, targeted the illegal practice locally known as “paihi,” or the unauthorized siphoning and sale of fuel from tanker trucks.
Arrested were two male suspects identified only by their aliases “Ando” and “Bote,” a truck driver and his helper, respectively. They were caught in flagrante delicto while allegedly transferring petroleum products from a tanker truck into smaller containers for resale.
Seized during the operation was a trailer tanker containing one barrel of fuel with a capacity of approximately 180 liters. Authorities estimated the total value of the confiscated evidence at ₱6,620,000.
Investigators said the tanker truck had reportedly come from Cagayan de Oro City and made an unscheduled توقف along the roadside in Tubay, where the illegal siphoning activity allegedly took place without the required permits or authorization.
CIDG officials underscored that the operation forms part of a broader crackdown on the illegal trading and pilferage of petroleum products, a practice considered harmful to both the economy and national security.
They emphasized that under Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, the sale or distribution of petroleum products for profit without proper licensing is prohibited. The law was further strengthened by Presidential Decree No. 1865, which addresses unfair trade practices and promotes energy conservation.
Authorities said such operations are crucial in preventing economic sabotage and protecting government revenue streams, noting that illegal fuel trading undermines regulatory controls and market stability.
The CIDG leadership commended the operating units involved in the successful operation, highlighting their commitment to enforcing laws and holding violators accountable.
The agency also called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to the illegal trade of petroleum products, assuring that swift action will be taken against offenders.