The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Tuesday seized a motor tanker and 11 trucks carrying smuggled fuel worth P128 million at the Subukin Port in San Juan, Batangas. The operation, which involved the BOC’s Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), Philippine Coast Guard’s Task Force Aduana, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), uncovered 217,000 liters of unmarked diesel, valued at P13 million. The seized motor tanker, M/T Feliza, is worth an estimated P60 million, while the 11 trucks are valued at P55 million.
Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio emphasized the operation’s significance, highlighting the risks posed to consumers by unmarked, untaxed fuel and the broader economic impact of smuggling. “The illegal and fraudulent entry of smuggled fuel hurts legitimate distributors and puts Filipino consumers at risk,” Rubio said.
The fuel was found to be unmarked during initial testing, suggesting tax evasion. The ship’s captain, Adolfo Jabines Tindoy, was found hiding on board and is facing legal action along with the crew and truck owners for violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law. The BOC’s intelligence team stressed the importance of protecting both the economy and consumer safety from fraudulent imports.
