4 arrested, P879,000 worth of fuel seized in Pampanga

MANILA — Four people were arrested after police seized around P879,000 worth of petroleum products from a gasoline station allegedly selling fuel without the necessary Department of Energy (DOE) authorization in Magalang, Pampanga, last October 9.

Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) chief PBGen Jess Mendez said the operation was conducted by its Regional Special Operations Group under the Regional Intelligence Division, in coordination with the Magalang Municipal Police Station and the Pampanga Police Provincial Office.

The operation took place at a gasoline station along Ninoy Aquino Road in Barangay San Roque from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The four arrested individuals, composed of three pump attendants and a cashier, were allegedly caught selling petroleum products without the required regulatory authorization.

Police also identified the establishment’s owner as a subject of the investigation, although the owner was not present during the operation.

Authorities seized two fuel dispensers containing an estimated 10,000 liters of petroleum products valued at approximately P879,000. They also recovered sales invoices, the P1,000 marked money used during a test-buy operation, and P25,507 in cash believed to be proceeds from fuel sales.

The four individuals were taken into police custody for documentation and appropriate legal proceedings over alleged violations of Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1865, which penalizes certain prohibited acts involving petroleum products.

Mendez said the operation was part of the police’s continuing efforts to crack down on illegal commercial activities that could compromise consumer protection and public safety.

“Fuel is an essential commodity that affects the daily lives of our people. Businesses engaged in its sale and distribution must comply with the law and applicable safety standards. This operation is not simply about making arrests. It is about protecting consumers, ensuring accountability, and preventing unlawful practices that may put communities at risk,” Mendez said.

PRO3 urged the public to report suspected illegal fuel-selling activities to the nearest police station or through the Unified 911 emergency response system.

The investigation into the alleged unauthorized sale and distribution of petroleum products is ongoing.