Four arrested in anti-illegal fuel operation in Batangas

LUCENA CITY — Four men were arrested for allegedly engaging in the unauthorized transfer and trading of petroleum products during an anti-illegal fuel operation in the Batangas town of Bauan on Tuesday (Oct. 27), police said.

The operation stemmed from a tip received by the Batangas Police Provincial Office (BPPO) Intelligence Unit regarding the illicit operation in Barangay Sta. Maria.

The Batangas police, personnel from the Batangas Maritime Police Station, and police from Bauan subsequently conducted an entrapment and buy-bust operation.

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Police said the suspects were caught siphoning diesel fuel from a motorized wooden outrigger boat into a white Mitsubishi L200 FB van after a transaction was completed and a pre-arranged signal was given.

The four men failed to present documents authorizing the transfer and handling of the petroleum products, including the required permits, delivery receipts, and sales invoices, authorities said.

Seized during the operation were the motorized boat, the van, several plastic containers, an intermediate bulk container filled with diesel fuel, siphoning equipment, and other tools.

The confiscated petroleum products, van, and boat were valued at approximately P1.275 million.

The suspects were taken into police custody and are facing appropriate criminal charges. INQ