PNP files raps vs 15 fuel thieves

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has filed charges of qualified theft against a 15-man crew of two vessels after they were caught illegally transferring some 6,090 liters of jet fuel worth P243,600.

Charged were 11 men on board the motor tanker Dorothy Dos, namely: ship captain Arthur Salazar, chief mate Noel Pontejos, second officer Arnold Bertolano, chief engineer Rex Ramos, bulk surveyor Exurey Edizer Diaz, second engineer George Bejalica, radio operator Reggie Malan, oiler Joven Malutao, seafarers Pepito Cawaling, Danilo Gomez, and Nenito Padon.

Also charged were four men riding the motorized banca Banoy, identified as captain Tiburcio Labonete Jr., chief mechanic Victor Barrogo, crewmen Alfredo Inotan and Romeo Alvarez.

In a complaint filed by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) before a Manila court, officers said the suspects conspired to steal 29 drums of Petron Jet A1 fuel last April 1.

At around 4:30 p.m., joint elements of the CIDG Anti-Fraud and Computer Crimes Division (AFCCD) and the Special Action Force (SAF) conducted a seaborne operation after the Petron Corp. complained that thieves have been siphoning oil from the Dorothy Dos to Banoy while traversing Manila Bay.

Records showed that police apprehended the crew after they witnessed the unauthorized transfer of fuel from the tanker to the motorized banca.

"Initial inspection of the Banoy revealed a specially manufactured container found below deck filled with jet fuel.

An inventory was then conducted in the presence of barangay officials and a representative of Petron.

"The container yielded 29 drums of Petron Jet A1 fuel with an estimated value of P243,600," said the officer-on-case PO3 Ramir Reciproco.

The CIDG and the SAF secured the two vessels, which are now temporarily docked at the Pandacan oil depot.

Manila City Assistant City Prosecutor Dennis Morales recommended no bail against the 11 tanker crew.

Those on the Banoy were each allowed to post P40,000 bail for their temporary liberty. – Evelyn Macairan