ILLEGAL PETROLEUM. Authorities arrest seven persons illegally selling some PHP1 million worth of petroleum products in Davao City on Monday (May 8, 2023). They were caught refilling and selling petroleum products without any Department of Energy license or permit. (Photo courtesy of PNP)
MANILA – Authorities have arrested seven people illegally selling some PHP1 million worth of petroleum products in Davao City, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said on Friday.
In a news release, CIDG chief Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. said the Department of Energy (DOE) has tapped the Philippine National Police to help stop such illegal activities.
Caramat said suspects Jeather Coniendo Padayhag, 47; Remegio Fontanarez, 32; Florbelito Cuhay Tarranza, 39; Marvin Jay Payomo Empit, 25; Roger Bohol Bugnos, 48; Carlito Rollon Sobron, 22; and John Louie Caga Bazar, 21, were arrested through a warrant dated May 3 issued by Branch 9 of the 11th Judicial Region in Davao City.
They were caught refilling and selling petroleum products without any DOE license or permit along Malagamot Street in Sitio Calderohan, Barangay Panacan on Monday.
Caramat said operatives seized 13 improvised refilling devices; seven digital weighing scales; 74 liquefied petroleum gas tanks of various brands, both filled and empty; 1,050 filled and 5,170 empty butane canisters; two sacks of plastic seals; two record books; a notebook; seven delivery receipts; and two bank deposit slips.
The total market value was assessed at PHP1,085,430.
Caramat said the suspects are detained at the Sasa police station.
“To heed the call of Chief PNP Gen Benjamin Acorda Jr. for aggressive and honest law enforcement operations under his five-focused agenda, the CIDG will be stricter and as aggressive in its anti-criminality operations to curb and foil illegal activities in the country,” Caramat said. (PNA)
