GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Police recovered approximately 5,700 liters of diesel fuel stored in 27 drums following a response to a public report of alleged illegal fuel pilferage and distribution in Barangay Tambler, General Santos City, on October 29.
The recovery was carried out at around 3:37 p.m. in Purok Saydala after the Police Regional Office 12 (PRO 12) received an SMS complaint through the government’s 8888 Citizens’ Complaint Center concerning a suspected illegal diesel operation in the area.
Personnel from Team Bravo of the Regional Intelligence Division 12, the City Intelligence Unit, and Police Station 5 of the General Santos City Police Office responded to the reported location.
Upon reaching the property, police found no individuals present. However, they discovered 27 drums containing an estimated 5,700 liters of diesel fuel believed to be connected to the reported illegal activity.
The recovered fuel was documented in the presence of a media representative and a barangay kagawad who witnessed the recovery and inventory process.
The 27 drums were subsequently placed under the custody of Police Station 5 for safekeeping, proper documentation, and further investigation.
Property owner identified as investigation continues
Initial police investigation identified a woman known by the alias “Glad” as the owner of the property where the suspected illegal fuel-related activities allegedly took place.
Authorities said they are preparing appropriate criminal charges against her, subject to further evaluation of the available evidence to establish her possible involvement and determine the specific provisions of law that may have been violated.
However, no arrest was reported during the operation, as no person was found at the location when police arrived.
Investigators are continuing their case build-up to establish how the diesel fuel was obtained, whether it was illegally diverted or stored, and whether other individuals or groups were involved in the alleged pilferage and distribution operation.
The investigation is also expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the storage of the substantial volume of diesel fuel at the property and the possible extent of the operation.
Authorities have yet to disclose the source of the recovered fuel, its intended recipients, or the estimated monetary value of the diesel.
PRO 12 calls for public cooperation
PRO 12 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Alan B. Manibog underscored the importance of public participation and evidence-based investigations in addressing reports of illegal activities.
“Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating imbestigasyon at pagtugon sa mga ulat ng ilegal na gawain. Hinihikayat natin ang publiko na patuloy na makipagtulungan at magsumbong sa mga kinauukulan upang matugunan ang mga ganitong insidente alinsunod sa batas at tamang proseso,” Manibog said.
The police operation stemmed from a citizen’s report through the 8888 complaint mechanism, highlighting the role of public reporting in alerting authorities to suspected unlawful activities.
While the recovery of the 5,700 liters of diesel represents a significant development in the investigation, the circumstances behind the fuel’s possession and storage, as well as the possible criminal liability of the property owner and other persons, remain subject to verification.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and that any charges will be pursued in accordance with the evidence and applicable legal procedures.