A man was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation-Central Visayas Regional Office (NBI-CEVRO) in an entrapment operation over an alleged ₱5.3 million fuel scam in Mandaue City, Cebu.
The operation was conducted at a shopping mall in Mandaue City on Aug. 3.
The suspect, identified only by the alias “Saldo,” is a resident of Barangay Cotcot in Liloan, Cebu.
According to the NBI, the arrest stemmed from a syndicated estafa complaint filed by a complainant identified by the alias “Ruel.”
Investigators said the suspect allegedly offered to sell 100,000 liters of diesel at a lower price.
Based on the complaint, the victim paid ₱5.3 million for the fuel.
Authorities said the promised diesel was never delivered.
The NBI said the suspect later allegedly asked the complainant to pay an additional ₱575,000, claiming that fuel prices at the depot had suddenly increased.
During negotiations, the complainant instead offered to pay an additional ₱100,000.
Despite the agreement, authorities said the diesel was still not delivered.
The NBI then organized an entrapment operation.
The suspect was arrested while allegedly receiving marked money from the complainant.
A video released by authorities showed investigators informing the suspect of his constitutional rights before taking him into custody. The suspect then peacefully accompanied the arresting officers.
The suspect is facing complaints for estafa and for allegedly violating Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, also known as the Illegal Trading in Petroleum Products Act.
Authorities have not announced whether additional suspects are being investigated in connection with the alleged fuel scam.
