• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Three employees of a gas station in Barangay Bolocboloc in Sibulan, Negros Oriental were arrested Sept. 25 by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for allegedly engaging in illegal trading of petroleum products.
The CIDG, in coordination with the Sibulan Police Station, caught the suspects selling fuel without the required Certificate of Compliance (COC) from the Department of Energy (DOE).
Authorities also seized two fuel dispensing machines containing gasoline valued at around P1.3 million.
The suspects are facing charges for violating Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1865, which prohibits the unauthorized sale, distribution, and trading of petroleum products.
In a report to CIDG Director P/Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II, the operation was conducted to curb unauthorized petroleum trading and ensure compliance with government regulations.
Morico emphasized that regulating petroleum products protects public interest and national security, warning that illegal trading creates an unmonitored and unregulated market.
The CIDG noted that illegal fuel trading poses risks to public safety, consumer welfare, government revenues, and the local economy, and may lead to environmental hazards.
CIDG leadership commended PCol. Dominick Poblete, regional chief of the CIDG Negros Islands Region Field Unit, and PLt. Col. Gilbert Mendova III, head of the Negros Oriental Provincial Field Unit, for the successful operation.
The agency said the arrests form part of its continuing campaign against illegal petroleum trading, hoarding, and profiteering. It also urged the public to report suspected illegal activities involving petroleum products. | GPB
