A driver at the City Equipment Depot of Cagayan de Oro City was arrested for allegedly selling fuel from the city’s depot.

Police said the driver allegedly sold diesel through what is called as ‘paihi’ scheme or illegal transfer of fuel.

Authorities said the 40-year-old suspect was caught in the act after more than a month of surveillance.

“Ila kini nga mga saving diha sa depot so dili naman na matawag nga savings kay kawat naman gyud na… qualified theft,” Carmen Police Station Chief, Major Mario Mantala, said.

Police seized 145 liters of diesel fuel worth around P7,000 during the operation. The suspect allegedly sells between 15 to 20 containers every week.

Investigators said the fuel may be the excess from the supply for City Hall vehicles.

“Gani kita gitawag man gani ta nga public office is public trust dapat the outmost performance at the same time loyalty sa atong gitrabahoan ato kana pagabuhaton,” Mantala added.

The suspect is now under police custody and refused to comment.

The City Equipment Depot will also launch an investigation following the incident.

“Ang sa amoa lang gyud, maingon sa karon sir is rest assured that our office is doing everything we can to investigate it thoroughly,” City Equipment Depot Focal Person, Al Edward Flores, said.