P2.2 million illegal diesel seized

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 15,000 liters of undocumented diesel worth P2.2 million were seized in San Mateo, Rizal on Thursday.

The fuel was found in an Isuzu van that was flagged by members of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) during the Oplan Sita along C6 Road.

HPG director Brig. Gen. Rommel Batangan said the van driver violated traffic rules and failed to present his license and documents of his cargo and vehicle.

The driver told police he was transporting used oil. But during inspection, containers loaded with around 7,000 liters of diesel were found.

The suspects led police to the source of the fuel – a storage facility along Lower Patiis Road in Malanday.

Some 8,000 liters of diesel, empty storage tanks, hoses and pumping equipment were found in the facility.