Jauhn Etienne Villaruel

Article (news)

Christopher Sitson

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782174988355Screen Shot 2026-06-23 at 7.47.21 AM (2).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Authorities seized an estimated 28,000 liters of petroleum products valued at approximately P2.5 million, alongside two boats and an oil tanker used for the illegal &quot;paihi&quot; scheme. Courtesy: CIDG-NCR via Christopher Sitson</div>MANILA — The Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) arrested 10 individuals for the illegal sale of diesel during a buy-bust operation conducted in a secluded riverside in Bgy. Tanza Dos, Navotas City on Monday evening, June 22.Authorities seized an estimated 28,000 liters of petroleum products valued at approximately P2.5 million, alongside two boats and an oil tanker used for the illegal &quot;paihi&quot; scheme, bringing the total value of confiscated assets to P12 million.Among those cornered was a suspect who identified himself as a representative of the owner of the petroleum products and allegedly attempted to bribe the arresting officers on the spot.“Sinubukan tayong suhulan ng isang tao rito na P200,000 para hindi sila kasuhan o i-release itong sasakyan na ito and hindi naman po pwedeng mangyari iyon. Trabaho lang po tayo,” said CIDG-NCR chief Col. John Guiagui.The arrested representative later admitted to the act, pleading: “Nakiusap kami na ganun sana. Tauhan lang po ako, representative lang.”As the 10 arrested individuals remain under CIDG custody, authorities are investigating complaints that the clandestine syndicate is being backed by an insider in government or law enforcement.“Diumano, maaaring mayroong protektor pa na nabibilang din po sa kapulisan,” said Dr. Vonne Villanueva, head of the Navotas City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco happened to be nearby and visited the site of the operation, strongly backing this claim.&quot;May impormasyon na may protektor. Kung sino talaga ‘yung lahat ng involved dito, malaman natin.” he said.“We have names, but we have to investigate kung sila nga yung narito kanina. Allegedly nakabantay sila sa harapan eh. Kabaro ba namin, barangay official ba, private individual ba? We’ll look into it,” Guiagui assured.According to the Navotas Local Government Unit (LGU), the operation stemmed from a complaint received from a concerned citizen.Reports indicated that the boats obtain petroleum products from the pier and transport them to a remote section of the river, conducting the dangerous &quot;paihi&quot; transfer near a residential area, which poses extreme risks to residents and the ecosystem.“Maliit itong ilog, so malaki ‘yung pinagkukunan nila, hindi makakapasok yan dito. Sila ‘yung tagadala rito, sila naman ‘yung nagsasalin dito,” Tiangco observed.“Ang tinitingnan po natin dito hindi lamang po ‘yung ilegal na ginagawa, ‘yung epekto rin po sa environment. Dahil makikita po ninyo ‘yung diesel nahahalo na po sa tubig. Maapektuhan po ‘yung nag-aalimasag, at mga nabubuhay po sa pangingisda. Ang report po sa amin pang apat na araw na po ito,” Dr. Villanueva explained.The diesel, which was already mixed with water, was reportedly being sold to customers for only P150 per bucket. Guiagui strongly warned motorists against buying the contaminated product.“Yung mga nagpa-patronize nito mag-ingat din po tayo at wag i-patronize ito dahil ikakasira rin ng inyong mga sasakyan.” he warned.The arrested boatmen admitted their involvement in the illegal activity but claimed that poverty had driven them to accept the job.“Inutusan lang po kami magdala dito sa ilog ng diesel. Siyempre mahirap lang kami sir, kailangan namin magtrabaho para sa pamilya. Kailangang kumapit sa patalim, mabuhay lang ‘yung pamilya namin,” said one of the suspects.Authorities are now determining the exact source and final destination of the illegal petroleum products while tracking down the masterminds behind the operation as the investigation continues.<div> </div><div>RELATED VIDEO</div><div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xd8ckzMUP3E?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> </div>

Authorities seized an estimated 28,000 liters of petroleum products valued at approximately P2.5 million, alongside two boats and an oil tanker used for the illegal "paihi" scheme.

Authorities seized an estimated 28,000 liters of petroleum products valued at approximately P2.5 million, alongside two boats and an oil tanker used for the illegal "paihi" scheme.

10 arrested in P12-M 'paihi' diesel bust in Navotas

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Nation

10 arrested in P12-M 'paihi' diesel bust in Navotas

Christopher Sitson,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 23, 2026 08:38 AM PHT

Read More:

paihi

navotas

illegal sale

diesel

petroleum products

pnp cidg

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.