Major Crude Oil Smuggling Bust in Mandaue City Leads to Thirteen Arrests
In a significant enforcement action, thirteen individuals were apprehended by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Mandaue City Field Unit during an early morning operation targeting illegal crude oil activities. The arrests occurred at Ouano Wharf in Barangay Looc, Mandaue City, where drums filled with crude oil were being unloaded and loaded onto vehicles without proper authorization.
Details of the Arrests and Seizures
The operation, conducted at 2:15 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, resulted in the handcuffing of multiple suspects involved in the illicit trade. Among those detained was the ship's chief engineer, Kaithe Corillo Sudario, aged 42 and hailing from Iloilo City. His colleagues arrested include Jayar Villena Villeza from Batangas, Joel Labora Edar from Cavite, Norman Nipes Garate from Bohol, Jelson Valin Rocero and Nestle Ian Calagday Castro from Sultan Kudarat, Juan Malasa Cruzat from Lanao del Norte, and Loreto Relampago Remotigue from Cebu.
Additionally, truck loaders and drivers responsible for transporting the crude oil drums were taken into custody. These individuals are Jilton Andolana Nuñez, Kervin Arranguez, Melvin Codiz Galvez, Anthony Mendoza Buaron, and John Rey Colon Panis, all residents of Mandaue City. The CIDG confiscated 14 drums containing crude oil and 10 empty drums intended for loading, along with two vehicles—a bongo and a six-wheeler Elf truck. The total estimated value of the seized items is approximately P20.5 million.
Investigation and Legal Basis
Prior to the operation, the CIDG-Mandaue City Field Unit received intelligence reports indicating that a tanker vessel would dock at Ouano Wharf to deliver crude oil stored in drum containers for sale in Cebu. After conducting thorough monitoring and verification, authorities confirmed the accuracy of these reports. The operation was planned in response to violations of Section 2(a) in relation to Section 3(a) of Batas Pambansa 33, as amended by Presidential Decree 1865, which addresses the illegal sale, distribution, or possession for sale of petroleum products.
The successful seizure was a collaborative effort involving the CIDG-Mandaue City Field Unit, the Regional Special Operation Team Regional Field Unit 7, the Mandaue Coast Guard, and Police Station 5 of the Mandaue City Police Office. A CIDG 7 official emphasized that the law strictly prohibits the transport or sale of petroleum products without a permit from the Department of Energy. When the ship's crew members were unable to present the necessary permits or documents authorizing the unloading of crude oil, their arrest and the confiscation of the drums and vehicles ensued.
Aftermath and Charges
All thirteen suspects remain in the custody of CIDG 7 and are scheduled to face formal charges in court on February 18, 2026, for their alleged crimes. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat illegal activities in the petroleum sector, ensuring compliance with energy regulations and protecting economic interests.
