ZAMBOANGA CITY - Authorities intercepted thousands of liters of smuggled fuel aboard a motorized banca during a seaborne operation in Tawi-Tawi province last Sunday, July 20.
The composite team flagged down an unmarked motorized banca off the coast of Bongao and upon inspection, 30 drums with a total of 6,000 liters of smuggled petroleum diesel valued at P276,000 were discovered.
A man onboard was held after he failed to present the required transport permit, which constitutes a violation of Republic Act No. 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
The suspect and the seized fuel were transported to the 1st SOU-MG headquarters.
The case was turned over to the Bureau of Customs in Bongao for further documentation and appropriate legal action.
The operation was conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group 1st Special Operations Unit (1st SOU-MG) in collaboration with the Tawi-Tawi Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA).