MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched a high-priority investigation to determine if a string of illegal fuel operations in Laguna and Navotas City are the work of a single, large-scale organized crime syndicate.
The probe follows two major raids this week that uncovered sophisticated “paihi” schemes—an illegal method where fuel is siphoned from tankers and trucks before being transferred to smaller containers for illicit sale or adulteration.
On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, PNP operatives raided a hotel and resort compound in San Pablo City, Laguna. The operation resulted in:
- Six arrests: Individuals caught allegedly siphoning and storing petroleum.
- Seized Assets: An oil tanker containing 500 liters of fuel, along with electric pumps, hoses, and various storage tanks.
- Charges: Suspects face violations of the Oil Pilferage Law.
Just one day prior, a larger raid took place at the Navotas Fish Port Complex in Barangay North Bay Boulevard South (NBBS). That operation led to:
- Nine arrests.
- Seizure of 65,000 liters of diesel: The fuel is valued at approximately ₱9.75 million.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez stated that intelligence teams are currently cross-matching the profiles of the suspects from both locations. While the Laguna incident initially appeared localized, investigators are not ruling out a wider network.
“We are looking into whether there is only one source of recycled oil and where it is being sold,” Nartatez said. “If it has links to organized oil pilferage groups, we will pursue them aggressively.”
The crackdown comes as the Philippines remains under a state of national energy emergency. High fuel prices and supply constraints linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict have created a lucrative black market for “recycled” and stolen oil. The PNP has vowed to cut the flow of illegal funds from these schemes, particularly in high-volume areas like Navotas.