Bataan: Authorities seized approximately PHP22 million worth of illegally traded petroleum products and arrested eight suspects during a joint anti-smuggling operation in Barangay San Benito, Dinalupihan, early Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 (Central Luzon) reported that operatives from various local and provincial police units conducted the operation following intelligence reports about illegal sales and diversions of petroleum products.

Initial entrapment operations resulted in the arrest of two suspects who were allegedly selling petroleum products without the necessary license from the Department of Energy (DOE).

Further investigations by PRO-3 led to the arrest of six additional suspects. Authorities discovered fuel tanker trucks and unauthorized storage containers used for unloading and diverting petroleum products meant for delivery to another consignee and location.

Authorities recovered more than 104,000 liters of petroleum products, including over 68,000 liters of diesel, 20,000 liters of unleaded gasoline, 7,600 liters of premium gasoline, and 8,800 liters of ethanol. They also seized four fuel tanker trucks, an electric pump, and several delivery documents linked to the illegal trading activity.

Investigators indicated that the petroleum products had been diverted from their intended delivery destinations, violating Batas Pambansa 33, as amended by Presidential Decree 1865. This law prohibits unauthorized sales, distribution, and diversion of petroleum products.

Police Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez, PRO-3 chief, emphasized the police's commitment to combating economic sabotage and maintaining lawful enterprises, peace, and order across Central Luzon. "We will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations and strengthen inter-agency collaboration to protect the economy and ensure that violators are held accountable," Mendez stated.