In its continuous effort to crackdown illegal activities, the Philippine National Police (PNP), through the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), recorded another major breakthrough with the seizure of Php15.18 Million worth of alleged illegal petroleum products and smuggled cigarettes in two separate operations conducted in Batangas and Quezon provinces.
The first operation, conducted by CIDG Regional Field Unit 4A at a gas station in Barangay Balagtas, Batangas City, at around 11:50 PM on October 6, 2025, resulted in the arrest of three individuals known by their aliases “Ed,” “Sam,” and “Sid”. The suspects were caught red-handed for allegedly engaging in the illegal trading and distribution of petroleum products, locally referred to as paihi.
The operation yielded two fuel tankers containing 26,000 liters of diesel; 10,000 liters of unleaded; and 4,000 liters of premium fuel–all valued at approximately Php9.14 Million. The suspects are facing charges for violation of Presidential Decree 1865, which penalizes the Illegal Trading of Petroleum Products.
Meanwhile, in Lucena City, Quezon, another buy-bust operation conducted by authorities from 11:30 PM on October 6 to 4:50 AM the following day led to the arrest of alias “Joseph,” a Chinese national residing in Barangay Ibabang Dupay. He was apprehended for allegedly selling counterfeit and untaxed cigarettes stored inside a warehouse along Dalahican Road in Barangay Mayao Crossing.
The operation, carried out with the assistance of representatives from Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corp., resulted in the confiscation of 95 master cases of fake cigarettes worth Php6.03 Million.
The suspect is facing charges for violating the Intellectual Property Code (RA 8293), Graphic Health Warning Law (RA 10643), Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 (RA 9211), and the National Internal Revenue Code (RA 8424) in relation to RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act).
Police Major General Robert A. Morico II, Acting Director, CIDG, commended his personnel for the successful operations, saying: “This underscores our commitment in upholding and enforcing the law for all—local or foreign national.”
Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Acting PNP Chief, also lauded the CIDG teams for their precision and vigilance, emphasizing that the PNP’s anti-smuggling operations form part of the government’s broader effort to restore discipline and order across all sectors of society.
“This is not just a victory for law enforcement—it is a victory for every Filipino taxpayer. Guided by the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., PNP stands firm in its duty to dismantle the machinery of smuggling and economic sabotage. We will continue to pursue those who exploit our economy for personal gain, because every peso lost to illegal trade is a peso stolen from our people,” said PLtGen Nartatez.
PNP continues to strengthen its campaign against all forms of illegal trades, ensuring that justice is upheld and public welfare is protected. Anchored on its commitment to deliver “Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman,” the Nation’s Peacekeeper reaffirms its stance in safeguarding the Filipino people and protecting the nation’s interests toward a Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas.
