The Bureau of Customs (BOC), in a joint operation with the Philippine Army, intercepted five lorries carrying approximately 238,000 liters of unmarked diesel in Tarragona, Davao Oriental.
In a statement, the BOC said based on the intelligence information, fuel suspected to be unmarked was being smuggled in Tarragona, Davao Oriental.
Several tanker trucks were observed in the area, raising suspicion of smuggling activities.
The BOC said a vessel, identified as Aquaman 3, moved offshore following the transfer of fuel into lorry trucks headed toward Mati.
Checkpoints were immediately set up by the Enforcement and Security Service of the BOC, which led to the interception of five lorries carrying unmarked smuggled fuel on October 22.
Initial test was conducted, however, the testing was halted with the arrival of armed civilians claiming to be Philippine National Police intelligence agents, leading the team to proceed to Banaybanay under military escort.
Initial and confirmatory tests of all samples taken from the five lorries yielded results of zero percent Relative Marker Level which warranted the seizure and detention of the subject lorries and unmarked fuel.
“The BOC remains resolute in its commitment in working alongside partner law enforcement agencies to curtail the illegal trade of petroleum products and strengthen maritime security measures,” customs commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said.
“The BOC’s enforcement and coordination efforts highlight its unwavering dedication in ensuring safety and security of our maritime domain as well as protecting the interests of reputable businesses in the country,” he added.
The BOC has yet to disclose the value of the unmarked fuel.
