DOJ Targets Batangas Syndicate Over Massive Fuel Pilfering Operations

MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) is intensifying its crackdown on a Batangas-based criminal syndicate accused of orchestrating large-scale petroleum pilfering, which has resulted in substantial revenue losses for the government, DOJ Secretary Jesus Remulla announced on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the syndicate has exploited various methods of oil theft, notably ‘paihi’, a local term originally describing the illegal siphoning of fuel from transit trucks by corrupt oil company employees. The current operations involve sophisticated schemes such as transferring oil between ships at sea and involving bulk oil suppliers, thereby bypassing customs inspections and contributing significantly to the country’s financial losses. “Sa aking tingin pwede umabot ito ng daang bilyong piso na nawawala sa atin dahil sa mga sindikatong nananaig sa paiihi ng fuel (I think government revenue losses could reach around a hundred billion pesos due to these syndicates involved in fuel pilferage),” Remulla stated, citing recent discussions with Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr.

The syndicate’s activities have also raised safety concerns, with Remulla noting the group’s dangerous propensity for violence against those who challenge their operations. “Delikado kasi itong Batangas syndicate. Marami na ho namatay dito. May pinapapatay sila ‘pag sila ay nilalabanan (The Batangas syndicate is dangerous. Many have died. They kill those who oppose them),” he explained.

In response, the DOJ has enlisted the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to eradicate the ‘paihi’ problem comprehensively. Additionally, the ongoing investigation into last month’s oil spill in Bataan is examining whether three implicated vessels are linked to these illicit activities.