BOC intercepts smuggled fuel in Bataan

Bureau of Customs (BOC) | FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted over the weekend some 146,000 liters of unmarked fuel suspected to have been smuggled in Mariveles, Bataan.

According to the BOC, 16 trucks were held for investigation, and the motorized tanker used to transport the fuel was also impounded.

The value of the fuel and the 16 lorry trucks was estimated at P88 million, while the vessel was estimated to be worth P60 million, the bureau added.

Initial test results showed that the fuel from the motorized tanker and lorry trucks was unmarked.

The government uses fuel marking to determine if the fuel is smuggled or not. Of the 11 lorry trucks initially found in the area, four were discovered loaded with fuel.

The other five trucks filled with 32,000 liters of fuel were found during a follow-up operation.

—TINA G. SANTOS