CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Sixteen suspects were arrested early morning of June 12 in a joint operation by the Lubao Municipal Police Station and the Bureau of Fire Protection for illegally trading and hoarding stolen petroleum products, which is against the law under Batas Pambansa Blg. 33.
The operation was launched after residents of Barangay Prado Siongco complained about a strong foul odor in their area during the night. Acting quickly, the police and fire authorities went to the reported location around 2:55 a.m. and caught several suspects transferring and storing large amounts of petroleum believed to have been illegally sourced.
The team confiscated 32 large 1,000-liter containers, two metal tanks, two pumps, about 3,800 liters of petroleum, a tanker truck, sales receipts, and ₱279,400 cash suspected to be from the illegal trade.
During the investigation, the suspects revealed another location along the bypass road in Barangay Lourdes, where more suspects were caught doing the same illegal activity. Recovered from the second site were 15 full 1,000-liter containers, several empty containers, two funnels, two trucks, and a dump truck likely used for transport.
The suspects, aged between early 20’s and late 50’s, came from Pampanga, Bataan, Bulacan, Manila, and Nueva Ecija. They were brought to the Lubao MPS for documentation and further investigation.
Authorities are finalizing the list of seized items as they prepare to file appropriate charges against the suspects.
Pampanga police director Col. Jay C. Dimaandal said the successful operation was prompted by continuous reports from vigilant residents and local government officials regarding the illegal activities.
“Acts like these not only violate the law but also pose significant hazards to public safety and the environment. We commend the cooperation of the community in helping us uncover these dangerous operations,” he said. Pampanga PPO
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