OPERATIVES from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Regional Field Unit 3 seized over 50,000 liters of illicit petroleum products valued at approximately ₱4 million and arrested five individuals during separate enforcement operations in Zambales on August 31, 2026.
According to a report submitted to CIDG Director Major General Robert AA. Morico II, the synchronized operations targeted commercial gasoline stations operating without the necessary permits or regulatory clearances from the Department of Energy (DOE).
The first operation occurred at approximately 1:30 PM in Barangay Inhobol, Masinloc, Zambales.
Joint elements of the CIDG Zambales Provincial Field Unit, the Masinloc Municipal Police Station, and the Zambales Provincial Intelligence Team executed a buy-bust operation at an unaccredited service station.
Authorities arrested three suspects caught trading fuel without DOE authorization. The outlet was also found to be operating without a valid Certificate of Compliance (COC).
Operatives confiscated petroleum products valued at ₱2,608,264.60 along with commercial records.
Later that afternoon, between 2:50 PM and 5:00 PM, a second buy-bust operation was conducted in Barangay Patrocinio, San Narciso, Zambales.
The CIDG Bataan Provincial Field Unit, the CIDG RFU 3 Special Operations Team, and the San Narciso Municipal Police Station apprehended two additional suspects.
Officers seized 17,488 liters of illegal petroleum products worth an estimated ₱1,397,996.50.
The suspects face criminal charges for violating Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, as amended by Presidential Decree 1865, which penalizes the illegal trading, distribution, and sale of petroleum products without proper government authorization.
CIDG leadership commended Regional Chief Police Colonel Grant A. Gollod, alongside Provincial Chiefs Police Major Jan Michael F. Jardin and Police Major Chriz Antonio A. Cataluña, for the successful interdiction.
CIDG officials reaffirmed that the agency, in close coordination with the DOE, will continue to intensify nationwide monitoring and enforcement to eliminate unfair trade practices that undermine energy security, economic stability, and consumer safety.
