The Bureau of Customs on Thursday seized fuel tankers loaded with P20.35 million worth of fuel, for their involvement in alleged illegal fuel transfer, or “paihi” in colloquial language, at the Navotas Fish Port.
The seizure, led by Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services at the Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP), yielded unmarked, highly dutiable petroleum fuel products. These were without proper fuel markings, which indicate the nonpayment of the necessary taxes and duties.
“They should know by now that nothing will stop us from pursuing our mandate of protecting our borders and ensuring that only safe and well-tested products reach our markets,” BOC commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said.
Customs and CIIS director Verne Enciso said information on the fuel tankers led to the operation that seized 370,000 liters of unmarked fuel from two vessels.
In particular, MT Tritrust carried 330,000 liters while MT Mega Ensoleilee had 40,000 liters in its tanks.
“Our CIIS-MICP agents worked with EG-fuel marking agents and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Task Force Aduana and boarded one of the PCG’s water assets to conduct anti-smuggling operations in the area of the Navotas Fish Port,” Enciso said.
According to him, the BOC agents witnessed the illicit shipside fuel transfer to evade duty and tax payments.
Subsequent tests proved the fuel from the vessels as unmarked that prompted the seizure, Enciso said.
In addition to the unmarked fuel, the raiding team also seized and secured the P245-million MT Tritrust and the P450-million MT Mega Ensoleilee.
In total, the unmarked fuel and the two vessels amounted to P715.35 million.
Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy subsequently requested the intervention of those in command to address the anchorage issues at the Philippine Ports Authority and that
PPA general manager Jay Santiago promptly responded.
