A motor vessel allegedly engaged in fuel pilferage or “paihi” system was apprehended by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in the vicinity of Manila Bay on Thursday night, Sept. 26.
BRP Palawan was spotted by PCG vessel BRP Boracay (FPB-2401) while carrying an undetermined quantity of alleged smuggled diesel fuel on board, the PCG said on Friday, Sept. 27.
The ship was being manned by seven crew members. They were on their way to Navotas when flagged by the PCG.
“The ship crew said they took the fuel cargo from a tugboat,” the PCG said.
MV Palawan was towed by BRP Boracay to Pier 13 in South Harbor, Port Area, Manila for further investigation.
The PCG is currently hot on ships suspected of engaging in paihi, a method for oil smuggling where a large vessel transfers oil to a smaller vessel to evade paying taxes.