CAMP OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga – A female gas station owner and her worker allegedly involved in trading of pilfered petroleum products on Tuesday were arrested by the police in Mexico, Pampanga.

Police Regional Office 3 director Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr. identified the arrested suspects as Merly Lalu, owner of AMP Gas Station, and her employee, Arbie Enero.

Regional Mobile Force Battalion 3 Special Operations Group commander Lt. Col. Jay Dimaandal said they were informed that Lalu has been engaging in the sale and distribution of pilfered petroleum products although she has secured a permit from the local government.

Acting on the report, Dimaandal coordinated with the Department of Energy-Luzon Field Office to verify if Lalu is authorized to operate in the business of retailing petroleum products, but was found to be unauthorized.

Operatives of the Regional Special Operations Group, together with the Mexico police, conducted an operation and were able to purchase 30 liters of diesel products from the gasoline station, resulting in the arrest of the suspects.

Lalu claimed that she is operating legally since she has secured a permit allegedly from the Mexico town mayor but failed to show a license to operate from the Department of Energy (DOE).

Seized from the suspects were undetermined amount of petroleum products, the P2,000 marked money, the AMP gas station signage, white plastic, and blue drum containers.

The two suspects will be charged with violation of Batas Pambansa 33 as amended by Presidential Decree 1865 or the law that prohibits peddling of retailed fuel products.

Hidalgo commended the operating team for their their commitment to curb the rampant illegal activity.

“This accomplishment is in line with the marching orders of PNP chief Gen. Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. through his five-focused agenda. We will be persistent and stern in pursuing and arresting lawbreakers to prevent them from endangering the consuming public,” Hidalgo said.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Bernard Galang