10 nabbed over alleged ‘paihi’ scheme in Navotas City, P12-M fuel seized

MANILA, Philippines — Ten individuals were arrested for an alleged “paihi” scheme in Navotas City, resulting in the confiscation of P12 million worth of diesel fuel, the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP CIDG) said on Tuesday.

“Paihi” refers to an illegal fuel pilferage scheme in which individuals secretly transfer fuel from large oil tankers to smaller tankers or storage containers.

Identified only as male individuals residing in Navotas and Bulacan, the arrested suspects were caught allegedly illegally transferring the fuel from several boats to a truck in Barangay Tanza 2 last Monday without a permit from the Department of Energy, the CIDG detailed in a statement.

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READ: 4 held for fuel theft in Laguna

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Operatives confiscated the fuel in at least 80 drums, 10 pails, and a tanker; as well as two motorized boats, a water pump, and a 50-meter-long hose allegedly used to siphon the fuel from the boats to the truck.

READ: PNP probes into illegal fuel operations in Laguna, Navotas

The arrested suspects were taken into police custody, awaiting charges for violating Batas Pambansa No. 33 as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1865, which pertains to the illegal trading of petroleum products.

“Paihi is considered hazardous because it is done in clandestine, unmonitored locations, creating a high risk of fires and explosions,” the CIDG explained.

“The Group likewise encourages the public to report all illegal trading, hoarding, or profiteering involving petroleum products in their localities,” it added.

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