MMDA probes 3 workers caught selling stolen diesel

MANILA, Philippines - Three laborers of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) who were arrested in Mandaluyong City for selling diesel from their mechanical sweeper truck to jeepney drivers are now under probe by the agency.

MMDA assistant general manager for operations Emerson Carlos said Tuesday that Roderick Gutang, Luis Bitangcol and John Tuplado, all of the MMDA Parkway and Clearing Operations Group are now facing investigation.

"If they are job order workers, they will be terminated. If they are regular employees, they will have to undergo due process before they could be removed," said Carlos.

Carlos added that the agency will also try to find out if the three arrested MMDA workers have other accomplices inside the agency.

Gutang, Bitangcol and Tuplado were nabbed by the Mandaluyong Anti-Vice Task Force while allegedly selling five gallons of diesel stolen from their own mechanical sweeper truck to jeepney drivers at EDSA-Crossing.

According to the MMDA, the three workers were nabbed based on a tip given by an informant.

Meanwhile, Carlos said the MMDA will also be checking other vehicles of the agency to see other possible fuel thefts.