A MARINE tanker loaded with P41.1-million worth of unmarked diesel fuel was found in the municipal waters of Villanueva, Misamis Oriental on Thursday night, April 9. (PRO 10-RPIO)
Authorities intercepted a marine tanker loaded with smuggled diesel fuel worth P41.1 million in the municipal waters of Villanueva, Misamis Oriental on Thursday night, April 9.
Two crew – the 71-year-old vessel captain and 63-year-old chief mate – are facing charges for violating Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Authorities received an intelligence report on Sunday, April 5, regarding a suspicious vessel anchored in the municipal waters of Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental.
The ship was being approached by several motor bancas allegedly engaged in the unauthorized distribution of diesel fuel.
Lawmen conducted a sea patrol operation and discovered that the tanker had no proper markings and failed to coordinate with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Customs.
Laboratory examination conducted by Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS) Philippines confirmed that the cargo consisted of unmarked diesel without proper Customs processing.
Confiscated was the tanker loaded with approximately 300,000 liters of diesel fuel, with an estimated value of P41,100,000. The actual volume is subject to final verification by a Bureau of Customs-designated surveyor.
The arrested individuals are now under the custody of the Villanueva Municipal Police Station while the vessel has been turned over to the Bureau of Customs Region 10 for proper disposition.