OPERATIVES of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) apprehended four suspects during an entrapment operation targeting alleged illegal petroleum trading in Barangay Payatas on October 20, 2026.
The operation was spearheaded by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU), led by Police Major Judge Rowe Donato, following reports of illicit fuel trading in the area.
Authorities swooped in at approximately 2:50 p.m. beside a gasoline station situated along Payatas Road corner Malasakit Street.
Law enforcement officers acting as poseur buyers successfully transacted with one of the suspects, purchasing 12 liters of petroleum products worth ₱900.
The exchange prompted the immediate arrest of all four individuals at the scene.
The suspects were identified as company driver alias “Mar,” 37, and truck helper alias “Jess,” 25, both hailing from Meycauayan, Bulacan; alongside helper alias “Tan,” 48, and cashier alias “Gem,” 32, both residents of Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City.
During the raid, authorities confiscated approximately 172 liters of petroleum products valued at ₱12,750, siphoning equipment, storage containers, ₱30,760 in cash, and a white JMC FB utility vehicle used in the operations.
The apprehended individuals are facing formal charges before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office for alleged violations of Section 2(a) in relation to Section 3 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1865, pending the final evaluation of evidence.
“The QCPD remains committed to combating illegal activities through focused police operations and sustained law enforcement efforts to protect the public and maintain peace and order in communities across Quezon City,” said Acting District Director Police Brigadier General Christopher Olazo.
