Navotas: The owner of the barge linked to the alleged illegal trade of PHP9.75 million worth of diesel seized at the Navotas Fish Port Complex on April 7 has been identified, the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) said Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, PNP-HPG spokesperson Lt. Nadame Malang disclosed in a briefing that the individual in question is a businessman who has reportedly been involved in this type of profiteering or transaction for nearly two years. However, Malang chose not to reveal the identities of the barge owner or the truck involved, citing the ongoing investigation.

Malang mentioned that the HPG is currently awaiting certification from the Department of Energy to ascertain whether the nine individuals arrested were authorized to distribute petroleum products and to confirm if the fish port is a designated distribution site. The barge and truck involved in the incident remain under the custody of the HPG.

The raid, which was prompted by a tip-off about suspected illegal fuel transfer activities in the area, led to the arrest of nine men and the seizure of approximately 65,000 liters of diesel. The suspects were reportedly caught in the act of transferring fuel without the necessary permits for transport and storage.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. had earlier described the operation as a significant setback to organized illegal fuel activities, specifically addressing the "paihi" scheme prevalent in port areas.