MANILA: Authorities from the Bureau of Customs (BoC) intercepted a motor tanker and several lorry trucks carrying smuggled fuel valued at approximately P128 million at Subukin Port in San Juan, Batangas.
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio announced on Wednesday that a joint operation conducted on January 4 by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP), with assistance from the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) Task Force Aduana and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Batangas, led to the discovery of 217,000 liters of illegally imported diesel.
At a market price of P60 per liter, the fuel is worth P13.02 million, while the seized motor tanker is estimated at P60 million. Additionally, 11 lorry trucks, each valued at P5 million, bring the total confiscation value to P128 million.
Rubio emphasized that the seized fuel lacked the mandatory government fuel markings, an indication that the appropriate taxes and duties were not paid. He stressed the importance of cracking down on fuel smuggling, as it harms legitimate businesses and endangers consumers.
"This is a significant operation, demonstrating our commitment to preventing the illegal entry of unmarked fuel, which poses risks to the public," Rubio stated. "Through the collaboration of our agency and other government units, we are strengthening our efforts to protect the fuel market and ensure compliance with tax regulations."
Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services Director Verne Enciso reported that the ship’s captain, identified as Adolfo Jabines Tindoy, attempted to evade capture by hiding on the vessel’s deck when authorities arrived.
Under the National Internal Revenue Code, as amended by the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law (Republic Act 10963), all refined, imported, and locally manufactured petroleum products must bear official fuel markings to confirm tax compliance. These markings serve as a verification system to ensure that excise and value-added taxes have been duly paid on gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and other taxable fuel products.
