Four tankers connected to the recent smuggling of 158,000 liters of unmarked fuel amounting to over P141 million in a private port of Mariveles, Bataan are being pursued.
To recall, the Customs earlier intercepted over 16 lorry trucks and one tanker vessel in a private port in Mariveles.
Yet four other tankers are believed to be part of the smuggling operations that yielded 154,000 liters of unmarked diesel and 4,000 liters of unmarked gasoline with a combined amount of nearly P8 million.
The BOC said that the unmarked fuel found inside the vessels and the lorry trucks and tanker vessels has an appraised amount of P141.97 million.
The motor tanker vessel MT Lorna 2, believed to be the source of the diesel fuel loaded on the lorry trucks and trailers, was estimated to cost over P73.99 million, the tractor head at P41.52 million, and the lorry at P18.46 million.
BOC tracks 4 other tankers transporting unmarked fuel
At a glance
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported that it is currently tracking four tankers involved in the recent smuggling of 158,000 liters of unmarked fuel, valued at over P141 million, in Mariveles, Bataan.
Previously, Customs seized more than 16 freight trucks and a tanker ship at a private port in Mariveles. However, it is suspected that an additional four tankers were involved in the smuggling scheme, resulting in the confiscation of 154,000 liters of unmarked diesel and 4,000 liters of unmarked gasoline, totaling nearly P8 million.
“Despite the holiday season, the bureau is working double time to pursue the whereabouts of the four other tankers. We will get to the bottom of this affront to our laws,” Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said.
The Office of the Collector of Customs in the District Port of Limay, Bataan issued a warrant of seizure and detention against the 16 lorry trucks with attached tanker trailers and one tanker vessel for violation of trade and tax laws.
The seized vessels and their conveyances were turned over to the Auction and Cargo Disposal Division of the Port of Limay.
The BOC said that it estimated a total of P141.97 million for the unmarked fuel found inside the vessels and the lorry trucks and tanker vessels.
Meanwhile, it said that motor tanker vessel MT Lorna 2, believed to be the source of the diesel fuel loaded on the lorry trucks and trailers, cost over P73.99 million, while the tractor head is valued at P41.52 million, and the lorry at P18.46 million.
Verne Enciso, director of BOC Intelligence and Investigation Service, said a Mission Order was issued upon verification of the “derogatory information that there were several vessels carrying alleged smuggled fuel and attempting to discharge the same.”
“Initial and confirmatory tests yielded a failed result on the lorry trucks and the tanker vessel. This means that the fuel is lacking the markings, indicating the lack of necessary duties and taxes,” he said.
Inquest proceedings were already conducted against the alleged drivers and helpers of the lorry trucks and tanker trailers, Customs Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Juvymax Uy said.
The preliminary investigation will begin on Jan. 8 next year at the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Bataan.
“Our smuggled fuel interdiction mission is vital to the health of our economy. We will leave no stone unturned in running after the perpetrators behind this operation. Smuggling unmarked fuel does not only hurt our economy, but it is also unsafe and it causes harmful auto emissions,” Uy said.