Navotas: Six individuals were arrested in separate operations targeting the illegal trading of petroleum products, locally known as 'paihi,' in Navotas and the production of fraudulent Philippine National Police (PNP) documents in Manila, the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, in a press briefing at Camp Crame, CIDG National Capital Region (NCR) chief Col. John Guiagui stated that three suspects were apprehended while allegedly selling petroleum products without the necessary permits and authority from the Department of Energy (DOE). The arrest occurred late Saturday night along Honorio Lopez Boulevard in Barangay NBBS Kaunlaran, Navotas.

Operatives seized six containers holding around 290 liters of diesel fuel, three steel storage tanks, a 20,000-liter fuel tanker, a 40,000-liter fuel tanker, and a mini tanker, with a total estimated value of PHP6.7 million. Additionally, police confiscated a diesel pump and several delivery receipts. The suspects were placed under police custody and subjected to inquest proceedings for alleged violation of Batas Pambansa No. 33, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1865, which penalizes the illegal trade of petroleum products.

Guiagui mentioned that this operation was the CIDG's third against 'paihi' activities in the Camanava (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela) areas amid rising fuel prices linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The fuel was allegedly sourced from vessels at sea and brought to areas in Malabon and Navotas for distribution. Guiagui revealed that the three arrested suspects were allegedly acting on behalf of individuals who were not present during the operation. While declining to identify the alleged masterminds, Guiagui confirmed that they are Filipinos and stated that charges have been filed against them.

In a separate operation, CIDG-NCR personnel arrested three individuals in Manila on Friday for allegedly producing counterfeit PNP documents, including permits to carry (PTCs) firearms and police clearances. Guiagui explained that counterfeit documents, particularly PTCs, are reportedly sold in the Recto Avenue area for more than PHP2,000 each. The operation involved a buy-bust strategy, where CIDG requested the document, and it was produced after payment.

The CIDG-NCR is set to examine hard drives and other storage devices seized during the operation to identify people who may have commissioned the counterfeit documents. Guiagui added that those found to have obtained fraudulent documents might also face charges, and the CIDG will work to confiscate the fake IDs and documents.