By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur— Following a successful crackdown in Surigao del Norte, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has once again thwarted an illegal fuel operation in Agusan del Norte, seizing petroleum products valued at PHP 6.62 million.
On Friday, April 17, 2026, CIDG operatives from the Agusan del Norte Provincial Field Unit conducted a surprise law enforcement operation against illegal “paihi” activities in Barangay Santa Ana, Tubay, Agusan del Norte. The operation led to the arrest of two male suspects, identified as “Ando” and “Bote,” and the confiscation of a trailer tanker containing 180 liters of fuel, measured on location (MOL).
MOL, or “Measured On Location,” is an industry term used to specify the exact volume of fuel at the site of storage or transfer. In this case, the fuel was confirmed to be 180 liters, valued at an estimated PHP 6.62 million.
According to a report submitted to Police Major General Robert Morico II, Director of the CIDG, the two suspects were apprehended while allegedly engaged in pilferage, a crime locally known as “paihi.” This illegal practice involves the unlawful siphoning of fuel from tanker trucks into barrels and small containers for the purpose of illicit trade. The tanker truck, which reportedly came from Cagayan de Oro City, had stopped along a road in Tubay, where the fuel transfer occurred without the proper permits or authority.
CIDG Director emphasized the importance of regulating petroleum products to protect public interest and national security. “Under Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, it is illegal to sell or distribute petroleum products without the necessary licenses or authority. Presidential Decree No. 1865, which amends BP 33, addresses emerging unfair trade practices and ensures energy conservation,” he stated.
The CIDG leadership commended PLTCOL Butch Ian C. Miñoza, Acting Regional Chief of CIDG Regional Field Unit 13, and PMAJ Robin Jone Combo, Provincial Officer of the CIDG Agusan del Norte Provincial Field Unit, for their excellent work in apprehending the suspects. This operation is part of the CIDG’s broader effort to combat economic sabotage and secure national revenue through strict enforcement of petroleum product regulations.
The CIDG assured the public that it would continue its relentless efforts to arrest violators of illegal petroleum trading. “This is a direct threat to public interest and national security. We urge the public to report any illegal petroleum trading activities in their areas, and we will take action,” the CIDG said in a statement.
Earlier, on April 13, CIDG operatives conducted another successful operation in Surigao del Norte, arresting 10 individuals, including a key suspect known as “Alias Intsik.” The operation, carried out in coordination with the Regional Maritime Unit 13, the Maritime Law Enforcement Team, and the Claver Municipal Police Station, targeted illegal transportation of petroleum products at Panatao Port in Barangay Panatao, Claver, Surigao del Norte.
According to Lt. Col. Darwin Dura, Chief of CIDG Surigao del Norte, the investigation is ongoing to determine the origin of the illegal fuel products. Authorities have yet to disclose the source of the fuel but have confirmed that the suspects were transferring diesel from a motorized banca, locally known as a “bote-bote,” into a tanker truck. The fuel, meant for distribution to nearby gasoline stations, lacked any legal documentation.
The authorities seized 20 drums of diesel fuel, 30 empty drums, two water pumps, a hose, the motorized banca, and a tanker truck, with a combined value of PHP 5.62 million. The arrested individuals were read their rights under the Anti-Torture Law before being transported to the CIDG office for processing. Charges are being prepared for violating Presidential Decree No. 1865, which regulates the handling of petroleum products.
###
