Three gasoline stations have been raided by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Bicol Region, confiscating over 39,000 liters of non-compliant fuel with an estimated value of ₱2.6 million.

This followed the Customs’ crackdown on illegal fuel operations in the region by the Port of Legazpi. 

“Both the initial and confirmatory tests found the marker below the required compliance threshold, indicating that the fuel was withdrawn to evade taxes and duties,” the BOC said in a statement released March 29. 

These findings were acquired during the random field testing conducted by the BOC Enforcement and Security Service (BOC-ESS) in coordination with Société Générale de Surveillance Philippines. 

According to District Collector Guillermo Pedro Francia IV, these findings reflect the “persistent challenges” the agency faces in enforcing fuel regulation. 

“It is evident that some operators continue to defy compliance measures,” Francia said. 

“However, we are determined to identify and penalize those who are non-complaint due to threats to revenue and undermines lawful competitions.”

Warrants have been issued to seize fuel products stored in the subject gasoline stations for violating a joint circular from the Department of Finance (DOF), and its attached agencies—Bureau of Internal Regulations (BIR), and BOC—in relation to tax laws under the TRAIN LAW.

Customs Police vowed to stay vigilant against fuel smuggling, supporting the government's push to protect public welfare and legitimate businesses.

Specifically, this legitimate business protection from tax agencies aims to mitigate “detrimental consequences of smuggling, particularly the proliferation of unmarked fuel that threatens market integrity and fair competition.”

Following recent discoveries, “the BOC urges the public to report any suspicious activities at local fuel stations to aid in their enforcement efforts.”