Jauhn Etienne Villaruel

Article (news)

Michael Delizo

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177640333065720260407-marcos-oil-crisis-uplift-program-PCO1 (6).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"> Police on Thursday seized at least 15,000 liters of diesel allegedly involved in a “paihi,” or illegal fuel pilferage scheme, in separate operations in Valenzuela and San Mateo, Rizal. <em>📷 PNP-HPG via Michael Joe Delizo, ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span>MANILA — Police on Thursday seized at least 15,000 liters of diesel allegedly involved in a “paihi,” or illegal fuel pilferage scheme, in separate operations in Valenzuela and San Mateo, Rizal.</div><p>Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group spokesperson Lt. Nadame Malang said police operatives first discovered eight intermediate bulk container (IBC) tanks containing 7,000 liters of diesel in a closed van in Valenzuela City.</p><p>The vehicle was initially apprehended due to defective lights and was inspected after authorities noticed a liquid leak.</p><p>The driver and his companion initially claimed the cargo was used oil, but verification confirmed that it was pure diesel without supporting documents, leading to their arrest.</p><p>“Ito po ay galing sa isang barge from a certain city, then kukunin sa city na ‘yon, pupunta dito [sa Rizal],” Malang said, adding that authorities are verifying the possibility that the fuel was stolen.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/4/14/pnp-identifies-owner-of-barge-linked-to-alleged-illegal-fuel-transfer-in-navotas-1725">PNP identifies owner of barge linked to alleged illegal fuel transfer in Navotas</a></div><p>Further interrogation of the suspects led to the discovery of their intended delivery site — an isolated compound in Barangay Malanday, San Mateo — where 8,000 liters of diesel were stored and believed to be the site of illegal fuel operations.</p><p>Authorities also found empty storage tanks, drums, and containers, as well as diesel hoses and pumping equipment, indicating an ongoing fuel operation.</p><p>The operation is believed to have started even before the country’s oil woes.</p><p>“Kung tutuusin talaga, ito’y unprocessed, mas mura ito,” Malang said. “Mas mababa po ito, hindi bababa sa 30 to 50 percent sa mismong standard price.”</p><p>“Pero talaga pong napakadelikado po nito lalo na kung ito ay nagamit sa atin pong mga sasakyan. Dahil hindi siya nasala maigi, may mga latak pa po ‘yan na maaari pong makasira po sa makina,” he added.</p><p>No personnel or buyers were present during the operation, and no barangay permit was recorded for the facility.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/27/3-arrested-over-illegal-fuel-trade-in-davao-del-sur-1101">3 arrested over illegal fuel trade in Davao del Sur</a></div><p>Authorities learned that a certain “Boss Vin” has been renting the compound since 2025 as a drop-off and pick-up point for fuel tankers.</p><p>The petroleum products will be turned over to the Department of Energy for proper disposition.</p><p>“Ang proseso po diyan ay kung paano po ‘yan sisirain,” Malang said.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6v_sKz-9Smo?si=r5mcy-rO7wbyI8W-" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>Police on Thursday seized at least 15,000 liters of diesel allegedly involved in a “paihi,” or illegal fuel pilferage scheme, in separate operations in Valenzuela and San Mateo, Rizal.</p>

Police on Thursday seized at least 15,000 liters of diesel allegedly involved in a “paihi,” or illegal fuel pilferage scheme, in separate operations in Valenzuela and San Mateo, Rizal.

Police seize 15,000 liters of diesel in suspected ‘paihi’ scheme

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Police seize 15,000 liters of diesel in suspected ‘paihi’ scheme

Michael Delizo,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 17, 2026 01:27 PM PHT

Read More:

Paihi

Valenzuela

San Mateo

Rizal

Diesel

PNP-HPG

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