ILOILO City – Authorities arrested eight individuals for illegal trading of petroleum products during an operation conducted at the seawaters of Estancia, Iloilo.
The suspects, identified as Alfie Despi Batarilan, 38, of Barangay Luguingot, Estancia; Kim Talad Sabanal, 27, of Barangay Jintotolo, Balud, Masbate; Noue Balasabas Jr., 48; Johnrey Paghubasan, 19; Ryan Consas, 22; Ivan Capao, 26; Riche Gallardo, 33; and Bernie Latchica, 32 — all residents of Estancia — were taken into custody by the Estancia Police Station on Sept. 26.
According to Colonel Ervin Glenn Provido, director of the Regional Maritime Unit 6 (RMU-6), the suspects were aboard a motorized banca loaded with petroleum products when they were intercepted by a team led by Major Janvier Gilza, alongside Police Staff Sergeant Roseller Montaniel Jr., Patrolman Rey Jun Palomaria, and Patrolman Denmark Tubalinal.
The RMU-6 officers acted on reports that the motorized banca was transporting petroleum products. Upon inspection, they recovered approximately 3,200 liters or 16 drums of diesel fuel, with an estimated market value of P190,000.
The suspects now face charges for violating Section 1(a) of Presidential Decree 1865, which prohibits illegal trading of petroleum and petroleum products.
Provido stated that intelligence reports indicated the suspects were involved in selling diesel fuel to local fishermen in the region, allegedly sourced from stolen supplies aboard barges from other regions.
“This operation is part of our intensified campaign against illegal fishing and petroleum trading across the region,” Provido said. “We are working closely with other government agencies to protect marine resources.”
In a related operation, RMU-6 personnel also apprehended two fishermen, Feljohn Villarias and Reyno Acocoy, on Wednesday near Bagosipol Island in Concepcion, Iloilo, for alleged illegal fishing. Authorities confiscated fishing gear, nets, and approximately three kilos of assorted fish, valued at P300.
The suspects will be charged for violating Section 86(a) of Republic Act 10654, which covers unauthorized fishing.
Both operations highlight the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to curb illegal activities in the region’s waters./PN
