BOC seizes P219-M ‘unmarked’ fuel in La Union smuggling bust
Members of the composite team inspect the seized motor tanker. Photos courtesy of BOC
LA UNION —The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has impounded a motor tanker carrying over P219.5 million worth of smuggled diesel fuel in a joint operation that disrupted a large-scale “paihi” or illegal fuel transfer scheme at La Union Port.
Acting on intelligence reports, agents from the BOC-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) at the Manila International Container Port, in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Task Force Aduana and the National Bureau of Investigation’s Organized and Transnational Crime Division (NBI-OTCD), apprehended the motor tanker MT Bernadette as it transferred fuel to two lorry trucks at around 9:45 p.m. on June 19.
The seized shipment totaled 259,000 liters of unmarked diesel fuel—about 200,000 liters in the tanker and an additional 59,000 liters in the two trucks. Authorities reported that the vessel’s 10 crew members failed to present legal documents for the fuel.
Members of the composite team inspect the seized motor tanker. Photos courtesy of BOC
“We’re sending a strong message: fuel smuggling will not be tolerated,” Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio warned. “This operation protects not only our economy but also Filipino consumers who may be unknowingly purchasing unsafe and untaxed fuel.”
The composite team also apprehended 11 other individuals involved in the operation, including truck drivers, porters, and lookouts—bringing the total number of suspects to 21. All are now undergoing inquest proceedings led by the NBI.
Customs officials said the “paihi” scheme was ongoing when authorities arrived. Security forces from the Philippine Army were deployed to ensure the safety of the raiding team.
Charges will be filed against the suspects under Republic Act Nos. 10863 and 10963, including violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and the TRAIN Law. /asu
