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Authorities seized P128 million worth of smuggled fuel at Subukin Port in San Juan, Batangas
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The 217,000 liters of fuel was obtained through the “paihi” (illegal transfer of unmarked fuel) scheme
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It was transported via motor tanker Feliza and 11 lorry trucks
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A Chinese businessman, his translator, and 25 others were arrested for illegal fuel trade at the same port hours before the seizure
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized P128 million worth of smuggled fuel at Subukin Port in San Juan, Batangas.
The 217,000 liters of fuel, suspected to be illegally sourced through the “paihi” (illegal transfer of unmarked fuel) scheme, were transported aboard the motor tanker Feliza and 11 lorry trucks when intercepted by law enforcement, the BOC said.
The operation was carried out by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) with support from the Philippine Coast Guard and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio emphasized the risks of fuel smuggling, saying it undermines legitimate businesses and could pose safety hazards to consumers.
The seizure ensures that “only tested and safe fuel gets to our markets,” Rubio said.
BOC-CIIS chief Verne Enciso confirmed that initial testing conducted on-site by the SGS fuel marking team-Batangas and CIIS-MICP agents showed a zero percent fuel marking.
The absence of fuel markings indicates a lack or non-payment of necessary taxes and duties, Enciso said.
The owners, officers, and crew members of the Feliza and the trucks will be charged with violations of Republic Act (RA) No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion or TRAIN Law (RA 10963).
The seizure came just hours after authorities arrested a Chinese businessman, his translator, and 25 others for illegal petroleum trade at the same port.
According to CIDG Director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, the CIDG-Batangas unit arrested individuals involved in siphoning fuel from a tanker into trucks. Among those taken into custody were alias “Hong,” a Chinese businessman from Metro Manila, and alias “Charles,” a Filipino-Chinese translator.
The CIDG operation followed a request from the BOC to investigate suspected fuel smuggling activities in the area.
