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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider The Economy devider BOC intensifies fight against fuel smuggling, seizes ₱219.5 million

BOC intensifies fight against fuel smuggling, seizes ₱219.5 million

Published Jun 21, 2025 09:31 am
Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) photo
Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) photo
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted ₱219.5 million worth of smuggled fuel at the La Union Port on Thursday, June 19, 2025, effectively disrupting an illegal fuel transfer operation.
In a statement, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said the bureau needs to intensify operations against the illicit entry of unmarked fuel into the country due to its significant economic impact and the serious hazards it poses to consumers.
The operation was a joint effort by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP), along with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Task Force Aduana and the National Bureau of Investigation-Organized and Transnational Crime Division (NBI-OTCD). Intelligence and enforcement operations were initiated following reports about the paihi modus, which involves the illegal transfer of fuel.
BOC-CIIS Director Verne Enciso noted that the composite team apprehended the motor tanker Bernadette in the act of conducting the paihi.
The MT Bernadette was in the process of transferring diesel fuels to a lorry truck when our team apprehended them at around 9:45 in the evening of June 19. Two lorry trucks were found containing diesel fuel from the motor tanker, he said.
An initial inventory conducted on June 20, 2025, revealed that the motor tanker was loaded with approximately 200,000 liters of diesel fuel. The two lorry trucks contained 19,000 liters and 40,000 liters of diesel fuel, respectively, bringing the total seized to about 259,000 liters of diesel fuel.
At the time of their apprehension, the 10 crew members of MT Bernadette were unable to provide documents to prove the legality of their activity.
In addition to the crew, 11 other individuals identified as drivers, porters, lookouts, and accomplices were apprehended, bringing the total number of individuals caught to 21.
The NBI-OTCD team immediately began processing the crew, drivers, and other accomplices for inquest proceedings. Members of the Philippine Army Security and Escort Battalion also arrived to provide additional security during the operation.
Customs Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy lauded the operation and assured that those involved would face the full extent of the law.
The continued vigilance of our officers led to this crucial operation. We commend every step taken to stop these illegal activities because these interceptions bring us closer to putting an end to these criminal networks and limiting their capabilities to repeat these activities, he added.
The owners, ship captain, and crew of the seized vessel and lorry trucks, as well as the owner of the seized diesel fuel, will face administrative and criminal charges. These charges are for violations of Sections 117, 1113, and 1401 of Republic Act No. 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), and RA 10963, or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

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Bureau of Customs (BOC)
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