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The Bureau of Customs impounded two fuel tankers involved in illegal fuel transfer in Navotas City
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The ships yielded 370,000 liters of fuel worth over P20 million
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The tankers are now at a Pier dockyard under the custody of BOC and the Philippine Coast Guard Task Force Aduana personnel
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) recently impounded two vessels involved in the illegal transfer of over P20 million worth of fuel, the agency said in a statement.
BOC agents of the Customs Investigation and Intelligence Service-Manila International Container Port and the Enforcement Group-Fuel Marking together with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Task Force Aduana conducted the anti-smuggling operation in Navotas on September 18.
BOC agents witnessed an ongoing illicit shipside fuel transfer, locally referred to as “paihi” modus, in an attempt to evade duty and tax payments.
After spotting the fuel tankers and explaining the purpose of the mission order to tankers’ representatives, the team conducted fuel marking testing, which both vessels failed. The two ships yielded 370,000 liters of fuel worth P20,350,000.
The team secured the vessels which are now at a Pier dockyard under the custody of BOC and PCG Task Force Aduana personnel.
“This seizure reflects our firm commitment in protecting the country’s borders from illegal activities, especially fuel smuggling, which deprives the government of rightful revenues,” said Customs commissioner Bienvenido Rubio.
“We will continue to heighten our efforts to ensure that offenders face the full force of the law,” Rubio added.
The BOC maintained that it would continue to be relentless in its efforts against oil smuggling in all forms, including illegal fuel transfer. It is closely coordinating with the Department of Justice in its investigations regarding the illicit activity.
