The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized ₱219.5 million worth of smuggled diesel fuel at the Port of La Union in an operation targeting the illegal paihi fuel transfer scheme.
According to BOC-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) director Verne Enciso, the joint operation by BOC, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) intercepted motor tanker MT Bernadette as it was transferring diesel to lorry trucks. Approximately 259,000 liters of unmarked diesel fuel was recovered from the tanker and two trucks.
Twenty-one individuals, including the ship’s 10 crew members and 11 others identified as drivers, porters, lookouts, and accomplices, were apprehended. The suspects failed to present legal documents for the fuel transfer.
“The disruption of this paihi modus… is vital for protecting the lives of our citizens,” Customs commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said.
The seized fuel and vessel owners, as well as the crew and truck operators, face administrative and criminal charges under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law. The NBI has initiated inquest proceedings, while military personnel provided added security during the operation.
This high-profile seizure underscores BOC’s commitment to enforcing customs laws and intensifying efforts against the illegal importation of unmarked fuel.
