The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) took custody of two tankers that were allegedly engaged in oil smuggling activities at the Navotas Port.
In a statement Friday, Sept. 20, the PCG said that personnel of its Task Force Aduana Port Interdiction Unit (TFA-PIU) and the Bureau of Custom’s Intelligence and Investigation Services (BOC-CIIS) seized M/T Tritrust alongside M/T Mega Ensoleillee for engaging in “unauthorized fuel transactions.”
The joint operation was conducted in the vicinity waters off Navotas City last Sept. 18.
“The TFA-PIU received an information from BOC-CIIS regarding an alerted vessel involved in smuggling operations, specifically in dealing with highly dutiable petroleum products or unmarked fuels without proper duties and taxes,” the PCG said.
The PCG then coordinated with the BOC which led to the successful conduct of the operation.
“The joint team promptly boarded and secured the tankers while BOC personnel coordinated and communicated with the captain of the vessels,” the PCG said.
The PCG and BOC inspected the tankers and extracted fuel samples for laboratory confirmation of fuel markings.
The samples were transported to the BOC Manila International Container Port (SGS mobile laboratory) for examination and verification.
“The results indicated a lack of proper fuel markings, confirming illegality of the item,” the PCG said.
The PCG said the captain of the two vessels and its crew members underwent questioning “for further clarification, inspection, and identification.”
Meanwhile, the BOC sealed the vessels’ fuel hatches and marked the evidence they gathered.
The two tankers were towed to Pier 13 in Manila for further investigation.