Jauhn Etienne Villaruel

Motorists line up to buy fuel at a gas station in Mandaluyong City on March 22, 2022. Oil firms implemented price rollbacks today after price hikes the last 11 weeks. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Karen De Guzman

Jeff Caparas

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/177546275369620220322-gas-station-rollback-GC-19.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Motorists line up to buy fuel at a gas station in Mandaluyong City on March 22, 2022. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/File</span></span></span></div><p>MANILA (<strong>UPDATED</strong>) — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is investigating a possible case of economic sabotage after authorities intercepted an oil tanker carrying flammable liquid without the required permits in Quezon City.</p><p>Fire Chief Superintendent Wilberto Rico Neil Kwan Tiu, officer-in-charge of the BFP, said the operation stemmed from reports of illegal handling of flammable substances.</p><p>&quot;Pinuntahan po ng Quezon City Fire District and together with the Station 10 of the PNP, and the tanker was impounded unless they can provide necessary permits for their activities,&quot; Kwan Tiu said.</p><p>Initial investigation revealed that the tanker first arrived Saturday morning but left after being flagged by barangay officials. However, it returned in the evening and proceeded with the fuel transfer.</p><p>&quot;Ito ay nireklamo ng mga residente… Hinanapan sila ng kaukulang permit. At wala po silang maipakita… At around 9:00 p.m., bumalik po ulit &#x27;yung tanker at balak ulit nilang magbaba ng gasolina,&quot; Quezon City Police District Director PBGen Randy Glenn Silvio saud.</p><p>The truck driver reportedly told authorities that the fuel was intended for personal or company consumption. However, the BFP is considering another angle.</p><p>&quot;There is a possibility of economic sabotage… baka ho mag-stock sila when the price goes high and stop when the price goes down,&quot; Kwan Tiu said.</p><p>The incident has already been reported to the Department of Energy, while the tanker has been impounded by authorities.</p><p>During a follow-up inspection, no one was found at the house, but several violations were observed, including the absence of installation clearance, storage permits, and hot works permits.</p><p>&quot;Ang hahanapin namin diyan is &#x27;yung installation clearance… &#x27;yung storage permit po. Parang nagkakaroon po kayo ng problema kasi wala po humaharap sa amin eh,&quot; SFO4 Gerald Ayun, Sub Station Commander of Laging Handa Fire Station,  said.</p><p>The BFP is now studying the possible filing of charges against the businessman and the homeowner involved in the transfer of thousands of liters of diesel.</p><p>The BFP also said the incident has been referred to the DOE, which will lead the investigation, while the fire bureau will extend assistance.</p><p>Authorities warned that transporting and unloading flammable liquids without proper documentation and safety measures pose serious dangers.</p><p>&quot;It&#x27;s really very hazardous because there&#x27;s a possibility that it will start or ignite, and it will be a big fire, and second, it is possible for an explosion. Kasi wala na siyang mga necessary fire safety requirements,&quot; Kwan Tiu said.</p><p>The tanker driver has been directed to coordinate with the Quezon City Fire District and submit the necessary documents.</p><p>The DOE will determine potential violations, while the BFP and Philippine National Police continue monitoring similar activities to prevent fire hazards and ensure public safety.</p><p>Meanwhile, the DOE clarified that the use of fuel-grade drums or containers is allowed for storing and transporting petroleum products—provided these meet prescribed safety standards.</p><p>Such use is limited to essential needs, including marine vessels, hospital generators, telecommunications facilities, and businesses requiring backup power.</p><p>The agency also emphasized that the use of improvised containers, such as plastic bottles, is strictly prohibited due to fire and safety risks.</p><p>Authorities continue their investigation and are seeking the homeowner to explain the alleged illegal activity.</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong></div><div><strong><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NDMGPqcxR-w?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></strong><br/></div>

<p>The BFP said the incident has been referred to the Department of Energy (DOE), which will lead the investigation, while the fire bureau will extend assistance.</p>

The BFP said the incident has been referred to the Department of Energy (DOE), which will lead the investigation, while the fire bureau will extend assistance.

BFP probes possible 'economic sabotage' after oil tanker without permits seized in QC

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BFP probes possible 'economic sabotage' after oil tanker without permits seized in QC

Karen De Guzman,

Jeff Caparas,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 06, 2026 04:08 PM PHT

|

Updated April 06, 2026 06:48 PM PHT

Read More:

PNP

BFP

oil tanker

economic sabotage

oil crisis

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