Batangas: Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested four men, including a Chinese national, and seized from them PHP15.1 million worth of alleged illegal petroleum products and illicit cigarettes in two separate law enforcement operations in Batangas and Quezon provinces.

According to Philippines News Agency, CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico stated that the three Filipinos, identified as Ed, Sam, and Sid, were apprehended by CIDG-Batangas personnel at a gasoline station along Balete Road, Barangay Balagtas, Batangas City at approximately 11:50 p.m. on Monday. They were arrested for allegedly engaging in illegal trading and distribution of petroleum products, commonly referred to as 'paihi', a practice used to evade taxes and duties.

The authorities confiscated two fuel tanker trucks containing 26,000 liters of diesel, 10,000 liters of unleaded gasoline, and 4,000 liters of premium gasoline, with a combined estimated value of PHP9.14 million. The suspects are set to face charges for violating Presidential Decree 1865 concerning the Illegal Trading and Distribution of Petroleum Products.

On the same day, Morico reported that CIDG operatives detained a Chinese national in Lucena City, Quezon, after discovering approximately PHP6.04 million worth of assorted cigarettes suspected to have been smuggled into the country. The authorities seized 95 master cases of various tobacco products, including Marlboro, Marshal, H and P, Carnival, Cannon, Xplore Blue Modern American Blend, Modern King, HP, Fortune, Chesterfield, Champion, and Mighty from the suspect's warehouse.

The Chinese national is facing charges for violating Republic Act (RA) 8293 (Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines), RA 10643 (Graphic Health Warnings Law), RA 9211 (Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003), and RA 8424 (National Internal Revenue Code).