World · Philippines Bureau
Police arrest three in major fuel theft operation in Manila
The Philippine National Police's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group has arrested three individuals and recovered evidence worth approximately P6 million in connection with an alleged fuel pilferage scheme operating in Navotas City.
LSN Philippines ·
Operatives of the PNP–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP–CIDG) conducted the arrests on Monday following an investigation into illegal fuel siphoning operations, commonly known locally as "paihi" schemes. The National Capital Region unit, headed by Col. John Guiagui, tracked the suspects' activities before moving in to make the apprehensions.
The three arrested individuals are suspected of involvement in the theft and illegal sale of fuel, an operation that has plagued the Port of Manila area. Police seized evidence valued at P6 million during the operation, which authorities said disrupted a significant criminal enterprise.
The arrests were announced during a press briefing at Camp Crame, the headquarters of the Philippine National Police. The CIDG-NCR continues to investigate the operation to determine if additional individuals are involved in the fuel pilferage network. Authorities have not disclosed further details regarding the suspects' identities or their alleged distribution network.
Fuel theft schemes in the Manila area have drawn increased police attention in recent months as authorities work to combat losses in the maritime and commercial sectors. The CIDG has pledged to intensify operations against similar criminal activities in the region.