ORMOC CITY— Authorities apprehended three individuals on Feb.17 for illegally transporting gasoline in improvised containers, posing serious fire hazards along the Maharlika Highway in Northern Samar.
The suspects—alias “Mar,” 46, a married driver from Brgy. Old Rizal, Catarman; alias “Lito,” 22, truck helper from Brgy. Sumuroy, Catarman; and alias “Jem,” 18, truck helper from Brgy. Old Rizal, Catarman—were stopped at around 6:25 a.m. at the Maharlika checkpoint in Brgy. Jubasan, Allen, Northern Samar.
Police said the suspects were riding an Isuzu Forward wing van (plate CBP-8338) heavily loaded with 182 containers of gasoline, totaling 3,640 liters (37 unleaded, 145 premium), estimated at P182,000. The driver admitted the fuel was intended for retail sale (“bote-bote”) in San Isidro, Northern Samar, but failed to present any permits or authorization to transport petroleum products.
Checkpoint personnel noted that the containers were improvised and did not meet safety standards, creating a high risk of fire. The operation involved Allen MPS, OPLAN Maharlika, the Northern Samar Provincial Intelligence Unit, and the 1st Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company.
The suspects were informed of their constitutional rights and brought, together with the confiscated gasoline, to Allen MPS for proper disposition and filing of charges.
(ROBERT DEJON)
