SEIZED. Fuel tanker MT Tritrust is seized by Customs officers during an operation at the Navotas Fish Port on Wednesday (Sept. 18, 2024). The BOC on Thursday (Sept. 19) said MT Tritrust and another fuel tanker MT Mega Ensoleilee yielded 370,000 liters of unmarked fuel worth PHP20.35 million. (Photo courtesy of BOC)
MANILA – Customs authorities impounded two fuel tankers for their supposed involvement in a "paihi" or oil smuggling scheme.
In a news release Thursday, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said the vessels -- MT Tritrust and MT Mega Ensoleilee -- were seized by members of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) in an operation at the Navotas Fish Port on Wednesday.
The operation yielded 370,000 liters of unmarked fuel worth PHP20.35 million or highly dutiable petroleum products, without proper fuel markings, which indicates the non-payment of necessary taxes and duties.
He warned those who continue to conduct illegal operations and remain involved in the “paihi” scheme.
“With this operation, our BOC officers showcased their vigilance and relentless efforts in protecting our communities from illegal and potentially harmful products,” Rubio said.
Meanwhile, BOC-CIIS director Verne Enciso said the operation was conducted after they received a derogatory information about the fuel tankers, MT Tritrust and MT Mega Ensoleilee which are carrying 330,000 liters and 40,000 liters, respectively.
“Upon receiving the derogatory information, our CIIS-MICP agents worked together with EG-Fuel Marking Agents and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Task Force Aduana and boarded one of the PCG’s water assets to conduct anti-smuggling operations in the areas of Navotas Fish Port,” Enciso said.
When the team arrived at the area, the BOC agents saw illicit shipside fuel transfer to try to evade duty and tax payments.
“After spotting the vessels and explaining the purpose of the Mission Order to their representatives, the team conducted fuel marking testing, which the two vessels both failed,” Enciso said.
Meanwhile, BOC officers valued the MT Tritrust and MT Mega Ensoleilee at PHP245 million and PHP450 million, respectively.
The BOC is closely coordinating with the Department of Justice in its investigations into these illegal activities. (PNA)
