By E.H. Edejer | September 2, 2026

IBA, Zambales — The Philippine National Police (PNP) confiscated more than P4 million worth of petroleum products allegedly sold by illegal traders and arrested five suspects after conducting separate raids in two petroleum retail establishments in Zambales.

The PNP said enforcement operations by its Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Regional Field Unit 3 resulted in the arrest of five persons and the confiscation of 50,737 liters of petroleum products from a gas station in Masinloc town and another in San Narciso on August 31.

The CIDG said prior verification with the Department of Energy (DoE) showed that the said establishments had no valid Certificate of Compliance nor authority to operate, or sell or distribute petroleum products.

In the first test-buy operation conducted at a gas station in Barangay Inhobol, Masinloc, the CIDG said it confiscated 10,437 liters of diesel fuel, 14,312 liters of unleaded gasoline, and 8,500 liters of premium gasoline with a combined estimated market value of more than P2.6 million.

The operatives also secured transaction and business records relevant to the establishment’s regulatory status and arrested the firm’s station manager and two gas attendants.

On the other hand, two workers were apprehended while a total of 17,488 liters of assorted petroleum products were seized during the raid at a gas station at Barangay Patrocinio in San Narciso.

The PNP said the entrapment operations were part of the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which promotes responsive, lawful, and well-coordinated police action.

It added that Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. had emphasized that enforcement efforts must remain grounded on verified information and proper procedures.

The PNP also said it encourages the public to report suspected unlawful activities through proper police channels. Information received from the community is carefully evaluated and verified to ensure that enforcement actions are based on facts and conducted within the bounds of law, it added. ▲