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The Bureau of Customs seized P219.5 million worth of smuggled fuel at La Union port on June 19
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Authorities stopped the transfer of 259,000 liters of diesel fuel from motor tanker Bernadette to two trucks
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21 suspects were arrested, including crew, drivers, and accomplices
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized P219.5 million worth of smuggled fuel at La Union port on June 19, and impounded a tanker and trucks involved in what is locally known as “paihi” (illegal transfer) operations.
MT Bernadette was caught in the act of offloading diesel into two lorry trucks without valid documentation. Initial inventory showed the tanker was carrying about 200,000 liters of diesel, while the lorries contained an additional 19,000 and 40,000 liters, respectively—bringing the total to roughly 259,000 liters of fuel.
The operation was conducted by the BOC’s Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP), Philippine Coast Guard Task Force Aduana, and the National Bureau of Investigation-Organized and Transnational Crime Division (NBI-OTCD).
Customs commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said the interception highlights the agency’s commitment to stopping the illegal entry of unmarked fuel, citing the economic losses and safety risks posed to consumers.
“The disruption of this paihi modus that brings unmarked fuel into our communities is vital for protecting the lives of our citizens,” Rubio said in a statement.
BOC-CIIS Director Verne Enciso said the diesel fuel was being offloaded without the required importation and clearance documents. The 10 crew members aboard MT Bernadette failed to provide evidence of the fuel’s legal origin during the inspection.
A total of 21 individuals were arrested during the operation, including the tanker’s crew, lorry drivers, porters, and other alleged accomplices. All are facing inquest proceedings led by the NBI-OTCD.
“These interceptions bring us closer to putting an end to these criminal networks and limiting their capabilities to repeat these activities,” Deputy commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy said.
The Philippine Army’s Security and Escort Battalion was deployed to secure the area during the enforcement operation.
The BOC said administrative and criminal charges will be filed against the owners of the vessel, its captain and crew, as well as those responsible for the seized diesel fuel. They will be charged under Sections 117, 1113, and 1401 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, along with violations of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law.
