Truck Driver Caught in Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur for Fuel Theft Operation; One Suspect Still at Large

By Sherman Calotes | Philippine People's Press 

Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur — Authorities arrested a truck driver allegedly involved in illegal fuel trading during a joint operation conducted in the early hours of Tuesday, July 15, along the national highway in Purok 4, Barangay Tigbao.

The suspect, identified as Rechel, 46 years old, a resident of Barangay Tuburan, Aloran, Misamis Occidental, was caught in the act during a joint operation led by the Tigbao Municipal Police Station (MPS), the Directorate for Intelligence, and the Multi-Agency Intelligence and Operations (MAPIO).

Rechel was driving a Sinotruk Howo fuel tank truck owned by Bollozos Trucking Corporation. His alleged cohort, identified as Leomel, 41, a native of Iligan City and driver of a separate fuel truck, managed to escape and is currently the subject of a manhunt operation.

Seized from the operation were a Hyundai Starex van believed to have been used to transport illegal fuel, approximately 50 meters of fuel hose connected to fuel tankers, and multiple containers filled with diesel. The illegal fuel activity was reportedly taking place within a compound where the two suspects were temporarily staying.

According to authorities, the operation was launched following a surveillance request by the Directorate for Intelligence and MAPIO, based on a formal complaint filed by Bollozos Trucking Corporation. The company alleged that some of its drivers were involved in the unauthorized siphoning and resale of diesel fuel an illicit activity locally referred to as “paihi.”

The arrested suspect is currently under the custody of the Tigbao Police for documentation and filing of appropriate charges. Meanwhile, law enforcers have launched a hot pursuit operation to track down the second suspect.

Authorities warn that illegal fuel trading not only violates trade and theft laws but also poses serious safety and environmental risks.

Source: Provincial Director, ZSPPO – PRO 9

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