19/10/2026
SIX ARRESTED AFTER POLICE UNCOVER ALLEGED UNAUTHORIZED FUEL TRADE IN LEYTE
Under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP), police authorities in Eastern Visayas disrupted an alleged unauthorized diesel distribution activity in Palo, Leyte, resulting in the arrest of six individuals during an operation on October 17, 2026.
The operation in Barangay Pawing was conducted by the Regional Special Operations Unit 8 in coordination with the Palo Municipal Police Station and the Bureau of Fire Protection after police received information regarding the alleged sale and distribution of diesel without the required authority.
Arrested were six individuals identified as a driver, truck helper, three other helpers, and a fourth-year criminology student. Police also recovered an electric pump with hose, 10 plastic containers—six containing diesel and four empty—and ₱15,500 in cash believed to be connected to the activity.
Chief PNP Nartatez said the operation shows how timely information and coordination among law enforcement units can help address activities that may affect legitimate trade and public safety.
“Ang ganitong gawain, kapag pinabayaan, puwedeng makaapekto hindi lang sa mga lehitimong nagnenegosyo kundi pati sa safety ng mga tao. Kaya kapag may impormasyon tungkol sa ganitong aktibidad, tinitingnan natin agad at kumikilos tayo kung may sapat na basehan. Dapat maayos at legal ang paghawak at pagbebenta ng fuel,” PGen Nartatez said.
The six individuals remain under police custody for documentation and proper disposition. Appropriate charges are being prepared in connection with the alleged violations, subject to further investigation and the determination of the proper authorities.
The operation forms part of the PNP’s continuing effort to strengthen focused, intelligence-led and coordinated police operations under the Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) component of the PNP Focused Agenda, in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration and its commitment to a safe and orderly environment for communities and legitimate economic activities.
Through sustained coordination with partner agencies and communities, the PNP remains committed to responsive and lawful police service consistent with its vision of a “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.”
(PNP-PIO)
SIX ARRESTED AFTER POLICE UNCOVER ALLEGED UNAUTHORIZED FUEL TRADE IN LEYTE
Under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP), police authorities in Eastern Visayas disrupted an alleged unauthorized diesel distribution activity in Palo, Leyte, resulting in the arrest of six individuals during an operation on October 17, 2026.
The operation in Barangay Pawing was conducted by the Regional Special Operations Unit 8 in coordination with the Palo Municipal Police Station and the Bureau of Fire Protection after police received information regarding the alleged sale and distribution of diesel without the required authority.
Arrested were six individuals identified as a driver, truck helper, three other helpers, and a fourth-year criminology student. Police also recovered an electric pump with hose, 10 plastic containers—six containing diesel and four empty—and ₱15,500 in cash believed to be connected to the activity.
Chief PNP Nartatez said the operation shows how timely information and coordination among law enforcement units can help address activities that may affect legitimate trade and public safety.
“Ang ganitong gawain, kapag pinabayaan, puwedeng makaapekto hindi lang sa mga lehitimong nagnenegosyo kundi pati sa safety ng mga tao. Kaya kapag may impormasyon tungkol sa ganitong aktibidad, tinitingnan natin agad at kumikilos tayo kung may sapat na basehan. Dapat maayos at legal ang paghawak at pagbebenta ng fuel,” PGen Nartatez said.
The six individuals remain under police custody for documentation and proper disposition. Appropriate charges are being prepared in connection with the alleged violations, subject to further investigation and the determination of the proper authorities.
The operation forms part of the PNP’s continuing effort to strengthen focused, intelligence-led and coordinated police operations under the Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) component of the PNP Focused Agenda, in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration and its commitment to a safe and orderly environment for communities and legitimate economic activities.
Through sustained coordination with partner agencies and communities, the PNP remains committed to responsive and lawful police service consistent with its vision of a “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.”
(PNP-PIO)
