The Manila Times
MANILA, Philippines — Authorities are intensifying efforts to identify the mastermind behind an illegal diesel operation in Navotas City, which involved the seizure of 65,000 liters of fuel valued at P9.75 million. One suspect was arrested during the raid, which was conducted jointly by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Philippine National Police (PNP) Highway Patrol Group – Regional Highway Patrol Unit-NCR, the PNP Maritime Group, in coordination with the Department of Energy. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., PNP chief, said the operation, carried out on April 7 at the Navotas Fish Port Complex, dealt a major blow to organized fuel smuggling networks. Investigators are now tracing potential links to a wider illegal fuel network. Nartatez said a financial investigation was also underway to track the flow of money and profits connected to the operation. Recovered items included a fuel tanker containing 15,000 liters of diesel, a steel cargo vessel serving as a temporary depot with 50,000 liters of diesel, as well as equipment such as fuel hoses and pumps used for illicit transfers. “The operation not only curbs unlawful fuel distribution but also prevents the safety hazards posed by unregulated activities in port and coastal areas,” Nartatez said. PNP officials emphasized that such operations will continue nationwide to ensure compliance with regulations, safeguard public safety, and disrupt illegal profiteering from petroleum products.
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