Customs agents seized smuggled diesel fuel in Tondo, Manila, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported on Wednesday.
Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy said a lorry truck was discovered with its load of 21,000 liters of unmarked and smuggled blended diesel fuel in Tondo last month.
The bureau issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the truck owned by V-Fuel Gasoline Station after it failed the fuel marking test.
Operatives of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service – Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) headed by its chief Alvin Enciso conducted the operation on July 8 in Tondo following a tip from an informant.
“Our order was to conduct validation on information received about the presence of fuel smuggling activities, conduct intelligence and enforcement operations against fuel smuggling in the areas of Manila, Navotas, and Malabon,” said Uy.
“It came to our attention a lorry truck was in Vitas, Tondo, Manila, so we had it checked. Our agents inspected it and found the unmarked fuel. They brought it to the Port of Manila for safekeeping,” he added.
Tests conducted on the first three compartments with 16,000 liters of unmarked fuel on July 10 and 12, as well as the fourth compartment with 5,000 liters on July 19, all showed failed results.
According to CIIS Director Verne Enciso, the owner of the fuel found in the lorry truck did not pay taxes and duties, a clear violation of Republic Act 10963 and Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) 43-2019, or the “Implementing the Fuel Marking Program.”
“The Field Inspection Team would have to impound the non-compliant fuel following proper procedures, of course,” he said, underscoring the need for “procedures to be followed, so violators of our laws and rules will face the consequences of their illegal activities.”
Uy and Enciso, who both just received commendations for their valuable contribution to the seizure of billions worth of smuggled goods from January to August 2023, warned against fuel smuggling.
“Our economy—the global economy, depends on the proper regulation of fuel. Smuggling of unmarked fuel into the country jeopardizes the health of the economy,” Uy said.
“Substandard fuel maximizes the profits only of those who sell it. Consumers are forced to carry the risks unwillingly and without them knowing. We are working double time to stop these activities and ensure our people are protected from those who make a mockery of our laws,” Enciso added.