uthorities seized an estimated P20,514,000 worth of illegal petroleum products and arrested 13 suspects during a joint operation before dawn on Feb. 17 in Barangay Looc, police said.
Operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Mandaue City Field Unit, CIDG Regional Field Unit 7–Special Operation Team and the Mandaue Coast Guard, with support from local police units, carried out the operation at about 2:15 a.m.
Police said they confiscated about 30 drums of petroleum products, transport vehicles and a tanker vessel with a total estimated value of P20,514,000. Thirteen male suspects were arrested at the scene.
CIDG Director PMGen Robert A.A. Morico II said the suspects were caught in the act of transferring petroleum products, or crude oil, from a tanker vessel into drums loaded on trucks. The products were allegedly intended for sale or exchange without the required license or permit from the Department of Energy, making the activity illegal.
The CIDG leadership commended CIDG Regional Field Unit 7 chief PCol Christopher M. Bermudez and the CIDG Mandaue City Field Unit led by PCpt Melvin S. Mangahas for the successful operation. Authorities said the seizure highlights ongoing efforts to curb illegal trade, particularly the unauthorized sale of petroleum products.
The CIDG assured the public of continued and impartial enforcement of the law. Officials also urged residents to report any illegal sale of petroleum products and other unlawful activities in their communities.
