8 arrested for alleged illegal fuel trading in Tarlac

MABALACAT CITY, Pampanga — Operatives of the Central Luzon police’s intelligence division on Thursday arrested eight men allegedly involved in the illegal trade and transfer of million-peso worth of fuel in Victoria, Tarlac. 

In a statement on Friday, the Central Luzon police said two men were initially arrested in Barangay Santa Catalina for selling and distributing fuel products to motorists without the required government permit, clearances, and compliance certificate.

“Petroleum products require proper handling and regulation because unauthorized activities can pose risks to consumers and nearby communities,” Said Brigadier General Jess Mendez, Central Luzon police director, in the statement.

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READ: PNP: 8 nabbed over alleged illegal trade of P22-M fuel in Bataan

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He said the regional police will continue to act on tips and information about illegal trading of petroleum products, especially now that gasoline, diesel, and kerosene prices are high.

Fuel stations are required to secure a certificate of compliance from the national government to authenticate the quality of their products and accurate quantity standards.

They are also required to have valid fuel supply agreements with government-accredited oil companies.

Other requirements include permits and various clearances from national government offices and local government units.

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During the operation, the regional police, along with the Victoria police, also discovered that petroleum was being transferrred from one tanker truck to another. The Central Luzon police said the tanker trucks have a combined capacity of 80,000 liters.

Six more men allegedly involved in the fuel transfer were arrested.

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Policemen secured the two tanker trucks and dispensers and seized the sales invoices and sales proceeds for documentation and further investigation.

The arrested individuals face charges for violating Batas Pambansa Bilang 33 and Presidential Decree No. 1865 that prohibit illegal trading of petroleum products./coa