AN OPERATION at a Mandaue City wharf stopped a massive illegal fuel trade in its tracks early Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Authorities arrested 13 people and seized trucks and fuel with a total estimated value of P20.5 million.
The bust took place at 2:15 a.m. at the Ouano Wharf in Barangay Looc. Operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Mandaue City Field Unit caught the group in the act of unloading drums of diesel.
Authorities launched the operation after receiving intelligence reports. They learned that a tanker was planning to dock at the wharf to deliver diesel for illegal sale in Cebu.
Monitoring confirmed the tip-off, leading the joint team to the scene. The operatives discovered 14 drums of diesel and 10 empty drums meant for transferring the fuel.
They also seized a Bongo truck and a six-wheeler truck used in the operation.
Caught without permits
According to a CIDG 7 official, the crew could not produce the necessary documents to discharge the fuel.
The group is accused of violating Batas Pambansa 33, as amended by Presidential Decree 1865. This law strictly punishes the illegal sale, distribution, or possession of petroleum products.
The official emphasized that transporting and selling petroleum products without a permit from the Department of Energy is strictly prohibited.
Who was arrested
Among those taken into custody was Chief Engineer Kaithe Corillo Sudario, 42, of Iloilo City.
Several other suspects were identified from other parts of the country: Jayar Villena Villeza, 45, of Matabungkay, Batangas; Joel Labora Edar, 56, of Imus, Cavite; Norman Nipes Garate, 64, of Clarin, Bohol; Jelson Valin Rocero, 31, of Sultan Kudarat; Juan Malasa Cruzat, 40, of Lanao Del Norte; Loreto Relampago Remotigue, 58, of Barili, Cebu; and Nestle Ian Calagday Castro, 43, of Sultan Kudarat.
Authorities also arrested local residents and workers involved in the transport, including mechanic Melvin Codiz Galvez, 29.
Truck boys and drivers arrested included Jilton Andolana Nuñez, 18, and Kervin Arranguez, 21, both from Barangay Opao, Mandaue City. Looc residents Anthony Mendoza Buaron, 30, and John Rey Colon Panis, 39, were also detained.
The operation was a joint effort involving the CIDG-Mandaue City Field Unit, the Regional Special Operation Team 7, the Mandaue Coast Guard, and Mandaue City Police Station 5.
The 13 suspects remain in CIDG 7 custody. They are scheduled to face charges in court on Feb. 18, 2026. / AYBTHIRTEEN people were arrested by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Mandaue City Field Unit while unloading diesel drums at Ouano Wharf in Barangay Looc, Mandaue City, at 2:15 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
The operatives seized 14 drums of diesel, 10 empty drums intended for fuel transfer, a Bongo truck and a six-wheeler truck with a total estimated value of P20.5 million.
The field unit acted on reports that a tanker would dock at the wharf to deliver diesel in containers for illegal sale in Cebu.
Intelligence monitoring confirmed the report and led to the operation for violations of Batas Pambansa 33, as amended by Presidential Decree 1865, which penalizes the illegal sale, distribution or possession for sale of petroleum products.
According to the CIDG 7 official, the law strictly prohibits the transport and sale of petroleum products without a permit from the Department of Energy.
The crew failed to produce the required documents for the fuel discharge, resulting in the arrests and the seizure of the petroleum products and transport vehicles.
Arrested individuals
Chief Engineer Kaithe Corillo Sudario, 42, of Iloilo City, was among those taken into custody during the operation.
Other suspects include Jayar Villena Villeza, 45, of Matabungkay, Batangas; Joel Labora Edar, 56, of Imus, Cavite; Norman Nipes Garate, 64, of Clarin, Bohol; Jelson Valin Rocero, 31, of Sultan Kudarat; Juan Malasa Cruzat, 40, of Lanao Del Norte; Loreto Relampago Remotigue, 58, of Barili, Cebu; and Nestle Ian Calagday Castro, 43, of Sultan Kudarat.
Authorities also arrested truck boys and drivers Jilton Andolana Nuñez, 18, and Kervin Arranguez, 21, of Barangay Opao, Mandaue City; mechanic Melvin Codiz Galvez, 29; and Looc residents Anthony Mendoza Buaron, 30, and John Rey Colon Panis, 39.
The joint operation involved personnel from the CIDG-Mandaue City Field Unit, the Regional Special Operation Team 7, the Mandaue Coast Guard and Mandaue City Police Station 5.
The 13 suspects remain in CIDG 7 custody and will face charges in court on Feb. 18, 2026. / AYB