CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – Authorities seized approximately Php22 million worth of illegally traded petroleum products and arrested eight individuals during a joint anti-smuggling operation in Barangay San Benito, Dinalupihan, Bataan, in the early hours of July 16.

The operation was conducted by joint operatives from the Regional Special Operations Group of the Regional Intelligence Division 3 (RSOG-RID3), PNP Intelligence Group Task Force Anti-Smuggling, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Bataan Provincial Field Unit, Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Bataan Police Provincial Office, 1st Bataan Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the Dinalupihan Municipal Police Station following intelligence reports on the alleged illegal sale and diversion of petroleum products.

Initial entrapment operations led to the arrest of two suspects who were allegedly caught selling petroleum products without the required license from the Department of Energy (DOE). A subsequent inspection of the area resulted in the arrest of six more individuals after authorities discovered fuel tanker trucks and unauthorized storage containers being used to unload and divert petroleum products reportedly intended for delivery to another consignee and location.

Recovered during the operation were more than 104,000 liters of petroleum products, including over 68,000 liters of diesel, 20,000 liters of unleaded gasoline, 7,600 liters of premium gasoline, and 8,800 liters of ethanol.

Authorities also seized four fuel tanker trucks, an electric pump, and several delivery documents allegedly linked to the illegal trading activity.

Investigation showed that the petroleum products were allegedly diverted from their intended delivery destination, in violation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1865, which prohibits the unauthorized sale, distribution, and diversion of petroleum products.

Police Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez, regional director of Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), lauded the operating units for the successful operation, saying it underscores the police force’s commitment to combating illicit trade and protecting legitimate businesses.

“This successful operation reflects PRO3’s unwavering commitment to combating illicit trade activities that undermine legitimate businesses and deprive the government of much-needed revenues. We will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations and strengthen inter-agency collaboration to protect the economy and ensure that violators are held accountable,” Mendez said.

The operation forms part of PRO3’s intensified campaign against economic sabotage and reinforces the Philippine National Police’s commitment to preserving economic stability, safeguarding lawful enterprises, and maintaining peace and order across Central Luzon. (Jason de Asis)

📸: Authorities inspect fuel tanker trucks and petroleum products worth approximately Php22 million seized during a joint anti-smuggling operation in Barangay San Benito, Dinalupihan, Bataan on July 16, 2026. The operation resulted in the arrest of eight individuals and the confiscation of more than 104,000 liters of allegedly diverted petroleum products for violating the country’s anti-illegal petroleum trade law. (Photo courtesy of PRO3)