LUBAO, Pampanga – Authorities shut down a large-scale illegal fuel operation in two barangays in Lubao, Pampanga, during a late-night raid on Wednesday, June 5, after residents raised concerns over suspicious activity in the area.
The Philippine National Police Region 3 (PNP PRO3), led by regional director Brigadier General Jean S. Fajardo, dismantled the underground “paihi” depot in Barangays Prado Siongco and Laoc Pao. Lubao Mayor Esmie Pineda and Municipal Fire Marshal Superintendent Redentor Quiambao Jr. joined the operation.
In Prado Siongco, police confiscated around 50 industrial tote bins, each capable of storing 1,000 liters of fuel, from a residential property reportedly serving as an illegal storage and distribution site. Authorities had monitored the site since April and noted heavy nightly truck activity between 10 pm and 5 am.
Fajardo said the operation posed a serious threat to public safety due to the unregulated storage of flammable materials in a densely populated area.
In a simultaneous sting in Barangay Laoc Pao, three men were caught transacting fuel. A sachet of dried marijuana was also recovered.
Mayor Pineda warned that such illicit fuel operations are not only illegal but dangerous, and said the local government is coordinating the safe transport of the confiscated fuel to prevent accidents.
Under Philippine law, fuel smuggling is punishable by up to eight years in prison and fines of up to P10 million. Offenders can also face charges under the government’s Fuel Marking Program, designed to combat the distribution of unmarked or untaxed fuel.
Investigators are now working to uncover the broader network behind the depot, which may involve regional criminal syndicates.
Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and report similar activities, saying fuel smuggling not only harms legal businesses but also puts entire communities at risk.