ILIGAN CITY — Three individuals were arrested and approximately 2,900 liters of petroleum products worth an estimated ₱1.86 million were confiscated in two separate law enforcement operations conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Regional Field Unit 10 in Iligan City and Misamis Occidental on September 9, 2026.
The operations targeted the alleged illegal trading of petroleum products and resulted in the seizure of two vending machines containing fuel. According to the CIDG, the machines were being used to sell or trade petroleum products despite having no Certificate of Compliance (COC) issued by the Department of Energy (DOE).
The first operation was carried out at about 1:38 p.m. in Barangay Bonbonon, Iligan City, by the CIDG Iligan City Field Unit, the Special Operations Team of CIDG Regional Field Unit 10, and personnel of the Iligan City Police Station.
The joint team conducted a buy-bust operation that resulted in the arrest of a male suspect who was allegedly caught trading petroleum products at a gasoline station that, according to the CIDG, did not have the required DOE Certificate of Compliance.
Authorities confiscated a vending machine containing approximately 2,700 liters of petroleum products, with an estimated value of ₱1,200,820.
Later that day, from around 5:51 p.m. to 9:50 p.m., another buy-bust operation was conducted in Barangay New Look, Plaridel, Misamis Occidental.
The operation was carried out by the CIDG Misamis Occidental Provincial Field Unit and the Special Operations Team of CIDG Regional Field Unit 10, with support from the Provincial Intelligence Team of Misamis Occidental, Regional Intelligence Unit 10, the 1002nd Mobile Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10, and the Plaridel Municipal Police Station.
Two male suspects were arrested during the operation, while authorities seized another vending machine containing approximately 200 liters of petroleum products valued at an estimated ₱660,000.
The CIDG said the suspects in both operations were allegedly caught selling or trading petroleum products through the vending machines. Subsequent verification reportedly showed that the vending machines did not have the required DOE Certificate of Compliance.
The agency said the absence of the necessary certification rendered the activities subject to enforcement under laws governing the sale and distribution of petroleum products.
The CIDG cited Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, which penalizes the unauthorized sale, distribution and trading of petroleum products for profit, as well as Presidential Decree No. 1865, which amended BP 33 and was enacted to address illegal and unfair trading practices involving petroleum products.
The agency said stricter enforcement of petroleum regulations is intended not only to protect consumers but also to safeguard public interest, energy security and the national economy.
The combined operations resulted in the confiscation of approximately 2,900 liters of petroleum products with a total estimated value of ₱1,860,820, according to the CIDG.
CIDG Director PMGEN Robert AA Morico II commended the operating units for the successful operations, particularly PLTCOL Jerome Jay S. Ragonton, chief of CIDG Regional Field Unit 10, along with the CIDG Iligan City Field Unit and CIDG Misamis Occidental Provincial Field Unit led by PMAJ John Paul R. Abangan and PLTCOL Dario F. Calatrava Jr., respectively.
The CIDG also credited the various police and intelligence units that participated in the operations for their coordination and support.
The agency said the operations form part of its continuing campaign against illegal activities across the country, particularly practices that may undermine legitimate businesses, compromise consumer protection and pose risks to public safety.
In coordination with the DOE, the CIDG said it is intensifying monitoring and enforcement operations against unauthorized petroleum trading and other practices it considers detrimental to the national economy and public safety.
The agency also urged the public to report suspected illegal activities in their communities, saying information from residents can help authorities identify and act against unlawful operations.
The three suspects are expected to face appropriate charges in connection with the alleged violations, while the confiscated petroleum products and vending machines will be subjected to the necessary legal and evidentiary procedures.