Diesel delivery, storage in Quezon City probed

MANILA, Philippines —  The Quezon City government has initiated an investigation into the reported delivery and storage of thousands of liters of diesel in Barangay Sacred Heart.

Residents earlier flagged the presence of an oil tanker that allegedly transferred diesel at a residential compound.

“City hall is coordinating with government agencies, including the Department of Energy, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Quezon City Police District to determine whether any laws, policies or regulations were violated in connection with this incident,” the local government said.

The BFP has ordered the removal of the stored diesel to prevent any potential hazard and ensure the safety of residents.

The city government said it would not tolerate hoarding and other illegal activities that put public safety at risk.

City hall urged residents to report illegal activities by calling Helpline 122.

Theft cases have been filed against two people who siphoned around 60 liters of diesel worth P7,080 from an Isuzu Elf truck in Barangay Greater Fairview.

The suspects, known only as Ezekiel and Benjie, surrendered to police on Tuesday.

Police said Benjie was previously arrested for robbery and illegal drugs in Tarlac and Quezon City.

The suspects and two others were involved in a diesel pilferage incident on March 31, Quezon City Police District director Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio said.

Closed-circuit television footage showed the suspects siphoning diesel from the truck’s fuel tank.

Silvio said the suspects sold the diesel they stole to jeepney drivers along Litex Road for P3,500 or half the fuel’s price.

Police urged the public to report cases of fuel pilferage.