The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has filed a formal complaint against the owners and crew members of two vessels caught engaging in fuel smuggling at the Navotas Fish Port.
According to the BOC, the vessels were found to be transferring unmarked fuel, a practice known as "paihi modus," in violation of customs and tax laws.
The BOC sought to file cases against the crew, operators, and owners for violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, the National Internal Revenue Code, and the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion.
BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said the bureau needed swift action against fuel smugglers to prevent future attempts.
“The filing of this complaint is one step toward the fulfillment of our mandate to serve the Filipino people in ensuring our borders are safe and secure,” Rubio said.
The crew of both vessels were caught red-handed during a fuel marking testing conducted by the BOC's Enforcement Group-Fuel Marking Agents.
The test results revealed that the diesel fuel on board the vessels was unmarked, indicating illegal transportation.
BOC-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services (BOC-CIIS) Director Verne Enciso said that the first vessel contained approximately 320,463 liters of unmarked fuel, while the second vessel had 39,884 liters.
The total value of the seized fuel and vessels is estimated at P715.3 million.
When questioned by BOC and Philippine Coast Guard officials, the captains of both vessels admitted that they did not have the necessary bunkering permits.
The BOC has filed charges against the 25 crew members, and the unnamed owners of the vessels and the smuggled fuel. (Derco Rosal)