“Agatatakaw ti gas”: 3 suspected serial petroleum thieves nabbed in Cagayan

CAGAYAN, Philippines — Three men allegedly involved in a series of theft incidents in Cagayan were arrested after they were caught stealing petroleum from a cell site in Catotoran Norte, Camalaniugan, Cagayan in the early hours of Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

The Police Regional Office 2 (PRO2) said the suspects, identified as aliases “Kiko,” “Ramon,” and “Ricky,” were arrested after personnel of the Camalaniugan Municipal Police Station spotted a suspicious maroon van parked near a Globe cell site tower in Catotoran Norte at around 2:15 a.m.

Police became suspicious after noticing five empty gallons and two plastic drums inside the vehicle.

This prompted the officers to approach and question the driver, Kiko.

While police were talking to Kiko, his two companions, Ramon and Ricky, allegedly emerged from the direction of the cell site tower and attempted to flee upon seeing the officers.

The police immediately pursued and apprehended the two.

8 gallons of petroleum recovered

An ocular inspection of the area led police to recover eight gallons containing petroleum, which authorities believe had been taken from the cell site.

During a body search, police also allegedly found a small heat-sealed sachet containing a substance suspected to be shabu in Ramon’s possession. Police said he attempted to discard the sachet during the search.

The three suspects were brought to the police station along with the recovered evidence for proper documentation and investigation.

Police also later established that the suspects were allegedly linked to other theft incidents in Cagayan, according to PRO2.

Police visibility credited for arrest

Cagayan Valley Regional Director PBGen. Mariano Rodriguez said the arrest demonstrated the importance of police visibility, alertness, and immediate response in preventing and solving crimes.

“Our Valley Cops acted promptly, resulting in the arrest of suspects and recovery of petroleum and suspected illegal drugs. In line with the thrust of the Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman, PRO2 will continue to strengthen police presence in Cagayan Valley and ensure that every report of criminal activity is addressed swiftly and professionally,” he said.

Similar petroleum theft reported earlier

The latest arrest comes amid reports of a similar petroleum theft incident in Cagayan, where suspects were also allegedly caught siphoning fuel from a telecommunications cell site.

The recurring incidents have prompted heightened attention from authorities to the security of cell sites and other facilities containing petroleum used to power backup generators and telecommunications equipment.

With the latest arrests, police are expected to determine whether the three suspects are also connected to the earlier petroleum theft case and other similar incidents reported in the province.