POLICE arrested on Tuesday a female gas station owner and her worker allegedly involved in selling of pilfered petroleum products 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.
According to Regional Mobile Force Battalion 3 Special Operations Group commander Lt. Col. Jay Dimaandal, 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.
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.
However, the suspect failed to show a license to operate from the Department of Energy (DOE).
Seized were undetermined amount of petroleum products, the P2,000 marked money, the AMP gas station signage, white plastic, and blue drum containers.
Charges for violation of Batas Pambansa 33 as amended by Presidential Decree 1865 or the law that prohibits peddling of retailed fuel products were filed against the arrested suspects.
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,” said the Central Luzon top cop.
