4 arrested in Pampanga, Magalang gas station for selling illegal fuel — around 879,000 pesos worth seized

📌 On the afternoon of Friday, October 9, three pump attendants and one cashier were arrested by police at a gas station in Magalang, Pampanga for selling fuel without a Department of Energy (DOE) permit. According to the Pampanga Police Provincial Office, around 879,000 pesos worth of petroleum products—totaling about 10,000 liters—were seized at the scene, and the absent gas station owner is also under investigation.

■ Incident Details
· The operation was conducted from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM on October 9 at a gas station along Ninoy Aquino Road in Barangay San Roque, Magalang.
· The Regional Special Operations Group of the Regional Intelligence Division, Police Regional Office 3 (RSOG-RID3), together with the Magalang Police Station and the Pampanga Police Provincial Office, carried out the bust following a test buy using a 1,000-peso bill.
· Police stated that they were caught selling petroleum products without the required Department of Energy permits.

■ Investigation & Current Status
· Police reported seizing approximately 10,000 liters of petroleum products from two fuel dispensers (valued at around 879,000 pesos), sales receipts, the 1,000-peso bill used in the test buy, and 25,507 pesos in cash believed to be proceeds from the sales.
· The four arrested individuals are currently in police custody and will face legal proceedings for violations of petroleum product-related laws, while the absent owner is also being investigated. The charges are based on police announcements and are pending court judgment.

■ Tips for Residents and Travelers
· Keeping your receipt after refueling serves as proof if any issues arise.
· During times when fuel prices are rising, it is safer to check and use officially licensed gas stations.

■ Source
Pampanga Police Provincial Office (Official Facebook, 10/10)