There’s a saying, “desperate times call for desperate measures,” and these are exactly that. Diesel prices are, as of this writing, just 30 to 40 pesos shy of breaching PHP 200 per liter. But desperation is no excuse for profiteering, especially in these trying times.

Amid the ongoing oil crisis, the Department of Energy (DOE), in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), has stepped up its crackdown on the illegal fuel trade, seizing nearly PHP 10 million worth of diesel in Navotas.

After failing to present proper documentation for the transport and distribution of fuel, nine individuals were arrested by government operatives at Pier 5 of the Navotas Fish Port. The PNP said the suspects were caught unloading 15,000 liters of diesel into a tanker from a vessel converted into a makeshift depot, which authorities estimate held a total of 65,000 liters of fuel.

“Hindi natin papayagan ang ganitong ilegal na gawain na naglalagay sa panganib sa ating mga kababayan. Tuloy-tuloy ang ating aksyon laban dito,” said PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

(We will not allow this kind of illegal activity that puts our fellow citizens at risk. We will continue to fight against these illegal activities.)

Nartatez added that these operations target activities that endanger public safety and disrupt the legitimate fuel supply, with authorities committed to sustaining enforcement efforts to hold those responsible accountable.