OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental — Authorities intensified their campaign against the незакон illegal trading of petroleum products after operatives of the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested two suspects and seized more than ₱700,000 worth of gasoline in a targeted operation on April 8, 2026.
The law enforcement operation was carried out at around 1:38 p.m. in Barangay San Vicente Bajo, Oroquieta City, by joint elements of the CIDG Misamis Occidental Provincial Field Unit, the Special Operations Team of CIDG Regional Field Unit 10, and the Oroquieta City Police Station.
Confiscated during the operation was a portable micro-fuel dispenser containing approximately 1,010 liters of gasoline, with an estimated total value of ₱701,000. The equipment and fuel were allegedly being used in the незакон sale and distribution of petroleum products.
Two suspects, identified only by their aliases “Cris” and “Jess,” both of legal age, were apprehended at the scene. According to reports submitted to CIDG Director Police Major General Robert A.A. Morico II, the suspects were caught in the act of engaging in the unauthorized trading of petroleum products without the necessary license from the Department of Energy (DOE).
Authorities underscored that such activities are in direct violation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1865, which prohibits the sale or distribution of petroleum products for profit without proper authorization from the DOE.
CIDG officials stressed that the regulation of petroleum products is crucial not only for maintaining fair trade practices but also for safeguarding national security and ensuring energy conservation. Illegal fuel trading, they said, undermines government controls, distorts market prices, and poses potential safety risks to the public.
The CIDG leadership commended the operating units involved, particularly the CIDG Regional Field Unit 10 under Police Colonel Jonathan B. Papay and the Misamis Occidental Provincial Field Unit led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Dario F. Calatrava Jr., for the successful conduct of the operation.
“This operation highlights our unwavering commitment to suppress illegal activities in the petroleum sector,” the CIDG said in a statement, reaffirming its intensified nationwide enforcement efforts.
Authorities are now preparing appropriate charges against the suspects, while further investigations are underway to determine if other individuals or networks are involved in the незакон fuel trade.
The CIDG also urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities related to illegal trading, hoarding, or profiteering of petroleum products in their respective communities, assuring that swift action will be taken against violators.