In a significant crackdown on fuel smuggling, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) successfully seized a motor tanker and 11 lorry trucks loaded with unmarked fuel valued at PHP13 million at Subukin Port in San Juan, Batangas. The operation, which took place on February 4, 2025, was a collaborative effort involving the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port, the Philippine Coast Guard’s Task Force Aduana, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group from Batangas.
The seized tanker, M/T Feliza, was carrying 217,000 liters of smuggled diesel. The fuel, priced at PHP60 per liter, amounted to PHP13,020,000. Additionally, the motor tanker itself is estimated to be worth PHP60 million, while the 11 accompanying trucks are collectively valued at PHP55 million, or PHP5 million each.
BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio emphasized the importance of the operation, stating that the illegal ‘paihi’ system of transferring unmarked fuel not only undermines legitimate fuel distributors but also poses significant risks to consumers. He stressed the necessity of ensuring that only safe and properly taxed fuel reaches the market.
Further tests conducted by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service confirmed that the seized fuel lacked the necessary markings indicating payment of duties and taxes. During the raid, the captain of the vessel, Adolfo Jabines Tindoy, was discovered hiding on the ship’s deck.
The individuals involved, including the owners, captain, and crew of the motor vessel and trucks, now face charges under Sections 117 and 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), as well as violations of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, due to their failure to provide proper documentation for the seized fuel.