The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized a motor tanker and 11 lorry trucks carrying smuggled fuel worth ₱128 million at the Subukin Port in San Juan, Batangas, disrupting an alleged “paihi” modus operation.
In a statement, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said the seizure resulted from the “swift and decisive” action of the operative team after receiving derogatory information.
The team, composed of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (MICP), the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) Task Force Aduana, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Batangas, found 217,000 liters of smuggled diesel.
At ₱60 per liter, the fuel is valued at ₱13.02 million. The motor tanker is estimated at ₱60 million, and the 11 lorry trucks at ₱5 million each, totaling ₱55 million.
“The illegal and fraudulent entry of smuggled fuel and the paihi system hurt not only our legitimate fuel distributors but more so our consumers, the Filipino people, because unmarked fuel put them at risk and hazard,” Rubio said.
He noted the importance of ensuring only tested and safe fuel reaches the market.
CIIS Director Verne Enciso said the motor tanker, M/T Feliza, contained approximately 200,000 liters of unmarked diesel, and both the tanker and trucks failed initial fuel sampling and testing. The fuel marking was at zero percent, suggesting unpaid taxes and duties.
The BOC team secured the vicinity of the seizure. The owners, ship captain, and crew face charges for violating Sections 117 and 1113 of Republic Act 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act) and RA 10963 (Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law) for failing to present proper documents for the fuel.