PNP-CIDG smashes ‘Paihi Gang’ in Batangas
PHILIPPINE National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) agents yesterday morning smashed a suspected “Paihi Gang” or oil pilferage syndicate operating inside the Subukin Port in San Juan, Batangas following an operation which led to the arrest of 26 suspects and the seizure of oil products worth at least P12.2 million, a report to PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil said.
PNP-CIDG director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre said arrested during the operation at the Subukin Port in Bgy. Subukin, San Juan municipality conducted around 12:20 a.m. Tuesday were the suspected financier of the ring and 25 others.
The financier was identified as Chinese national Hong Zhu Chao, a 47-year-old Chinese national with the Filipino name Donato Ang and a resident of San Juan City.
Another suspect was a 29-year-old Filipino-Chinese from San Lazro, Manila found acting as Chao’s translator.
The rest are either truck drivers, pump men, security guard and truck helper, as well as the captain and crew of the recovered vessel, which yielded the multi-million worth of oil products.
All 26 are facing charges for violation of Presidential Decree 1865, which penalizes the illegal sale, distribution and adulteration of petroleum products and non-payment of lawful duties and taxes.
Torre said that members of the CIDG Batangas Provincial Unit led the operation inside the San Juan port with the support of the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the San Juan Municipal Police Station and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The operation led to the seizure of six straight truck tankers, four trailer trucks, one straight truck and the M/T Feliza, a fishing vessel converted into an oil tanker. The vessel was found loaded with approximately 200,000,00 liters of petroleum products valued at P12.2 million, said Torre.
The official said they launched the operation following a request from the BoC for them to help investigate the smuggling of illicit cigarettes and other highly-dutiable goods without payment of lawful duties and taxes in the same port.
During the operation, it was discovered that petroleum products were being illegally traded at the port, Torre explained.
The arrested suspects were taken to the CIDG Batangas PFU office for documentation and proper disposition while the recovered pieces of evidence were turned over to the BoC for temporary custody.
