LUBAO, Pampanga – Authorities shut down an illegal fuel depot operating in two barangays in Lubao, Pampanga, on Wednesday evening, June 5, following complaints from concerned residents.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Central Luzon, led by Regional Director Brigadier General Jean S. Fajardo, conducted the raid in Barangays Prado Siongco and Laoc Pao.
In Barangay Prado Siongco, police discovered around 50 tote bins, each capable of storing 1,000 liters of fuel, believed to be part of the underground fuel trade locally referred to as paihi.
Meanwhile, in Barangay Laoc Pao, three men were caught in the act of selling and buying fuel. Authorities also seized an undetermined amount of dried marijuana during the operation.
The PNP has yet to release the identities of the arrested individuals as investigations continue.
Officials said the crackdown was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal fuel operations and related criminal activity in the region.