Caloocan city: Authorities arrested six persons and seized about PHP8.9 million worth of petroleum products during an operation in Caloocan City, the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) said Tuesday. In a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP-HPG spokesperson Lt. Nadame Malang stated that the suspects were caught on April 16 allegedly violating Presidential Decree 1865 in relation to Batas Pambansa Bilang 33, which penalizes the illegal handling and distribution of petroleum products.

According to Philippines News Agency, operatives allegedly caught the group transferring methanol into plastic containers already filled with gasoline and diesel. Lt. Malang emphasized that operatives witnessed the suspects in the act of transferring methanol from the tanker to the plastic containers, which is not allowed due to the existence of authorized depots for such transfers.

Malang explained that this practice is used to increase fuel volume and profit. Seized during the operation were around 10,000 liters of methanol; 8,000 liters of unleaded gasoline; 1,000 liters of premium gasoline; and 1,000 liters of diesel. The suspects were reportedly aware that the adulterated fuel was being sold to private trucking firms but failed to present proper documents.

The authorities have identified and invited the tanker owner for investigation, while the buyers have yet to be determined. Malang warned that mixing methanol with fuel can damage engines and pose serious fire hazards.

In a separate incident, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) on Tuesday reported the arrest of two suspects linked to a "gas-and-go" incident at a gasoline station in Barangay Payatas. QCPD director Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio reported that a motorist driving a white Toyota Vios fled without paying for PHP1,500 worth of fuel. Police tracked the vehicle through Land Transportation Office records, leading to the arrest of suspects identified as alias "Tyron" and alias "Ricky" in Rodriguez, Rizal. A third suspect, an alias "Botchoy," remains at large.

Silvio assured that efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspect and urged anyone with relevant information on his whereabouts to report to the nearest police station or contact E911 or the QC Helpline 122. The two arrested suspects will face estafa charges, while a manhunt continues for the remaining suspect.