THREE suspects were arrested by joint police operatives during an entrapment operation targeting alleged illegal petroleum trading in Barangay Manresa, Quezon City, authorities announced.
The Quezon City Police District (QCPD), led by Acting District Director Police Brigadier General Christopher Olazo, identified the suspects as alias “Erwin,” 58, of Caloocan City; alias “Nori,” 28, of Navotas City; and alias “Ariel,” 42, of Caloocan City.
The operation was launched by elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU), headed by Police Major Judge Rowe Donato, alongside the La Loma Police Station (PS 1) under Police Lieutenant Colonel Jose Luis Aguirre.
Acting on intelligence reports regarding unauthorized fuel transactions at No. 21 Makaturing Street, operatives conducted the sting operation at approximately 12:55 PM on October 7, 2026, arresting the trio after successfully executing a controlled purchase.
Authorities recovered a haul of evidence from the scene, including an Isuzu Elf truck, two truck keys, a hose, a funnel, four 20-liter black containers, and eight 6-liter transparent containers filled with petroleum products.
Police also seized PhP3,736 in cash sales and PhP1,000 in marked money.
Background checks revealed that some of the suspects have prior brush-ins with the law.
Alias “Ariel” previously faced a case for reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property in May 2019, as well as a prior case under Batas Pambansa (BP) Blg. 33 earlier in October 2026.
Similarly, alias “Nori” was found to have a previous case for violating the same statute earlier that month.
Appropriate criminal charges for violations of BP Blg. 33, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1865, have already been filed against the suspects before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.
Underscoring the district’s zero-tolerance policy on unregulated fuel handling, PBGEN Olazo warned that authorities will maintain rigorous enforcement.
“Hindi natin bibigyan ng puwang ang anumang ilegal na gawain na maaaring magdulot ng panganib sa publiko. Patuloy ang QCPD sa maagap na pagkilos at mahigpit na pagpapatupad ng batas laban sa ilegal na trading ng petroleum products,” Olazo stated.
