Customs officials at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) bared on Friday the closure of a gas refilling station in Valenzuela for allegedly selling millions of pesos worth of unmarked fuel.
The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS-MICP) at the port discovered that three of the gas station’s fuel tanks contained unmarked fuel worth P3.1 million.
Customs commissioner Bien Rubio said three of four tanks at the Roden Refilling Gas Station in Ugong, Valenzuela City failed the fuel mark test conducted by CIIS-MICP fuel marking agents.
“These fuel marking tests are done to ensure the fuel being sold to consumers is safe and have been properly tested. It is customary and functionary and complements our border protection duties. The work we do is geared towards winning against all types of smugglers,” Rubio said.
BOC-CIIS director Verne Enciso said the agents conducted a chain of custody activities that include marking, sampling and testing of fuels from the source, carrier vehicle or vessel and destination.
He said the lack of an official fuel marker indicates the lack of necessary duties and taxes. Fuel markers are used to guarantee product integrity and protect against counterfeiting and tax fraud.
Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy said the fuel tanks that failed the fuel mark tests contained 19,196 liters of premium gasoline, 18,680 liters of unleaded gasoline and 19,098 liters of blended diesel.
Only the fourth tank, which had 4,000 liters of blended diesel, passed the fuel marking test.
The BOC team temporarily padlocked the gasoline station.
