9 nabbed for fuel pilferage

LAGUNA, Philippines —Nine men were arrested for allegedly stealing fuel valued at P14.56 million at a gasoline station in Santa Rosa City in this province on Thursday.

The suspects were reportedly caught at past 4 a.m. syphoning fuel from a tanker truck parked in Barangay Malitlit.

Col. Sandro Jay Tafalla, Laguna police director, identified the suspects as Raymar Abadiano, Alejandro Bugtong, Albert Diano, Rolly Galit, Arnel Gallentes, Eljohn Mingo, Romilo Pascua and NJ Solis as well as Melchor Castillo, the alleged leader of the group.

Probers said the arresting team seized from the suspects petroleum products and equipment used in siphoning fuel from tanker trucks to plastic containers.

Tafalla said the operation was conducted based on information provided by a resident about the presence of suspicious men in the area.

Charges for violating Presidential Decree 1865 or the Oil Pilferage Law have been filed against the suspects before the City Procecutor’s Office.