The Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) on Thursday, June 19, 2025, found and seized P219.5 million worth of smuggled fuel at the La Union Port.

CIIS-MICP agents, together with Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Task Force Aduana and the National Bureau of Investigation-Organized and Transnational Crime Division (NBI-OTCD), conducted intelligence and enforcement operations after receiving reports about the “paihi” modus, or the illegal transfer of fuel, at the La Union Port.

BOC Commissioner Bien Rubio underscored the need to intensify the operations against the illegal entry of unmarked fuel in the country, citing not only its economic impact but also the hazard it poses to unknowing consumers.

“The disruption of this paihi modus that brings unmarked fuel into our communities is vital for protecting the lives of our citizens. I am extremely grateful for the dedication and sacrifice of our agents who continue to fulfill their mandates, often times putting their lives at risk by intercepting these smuggling organizations and protecting the lives and livelihoods of hardworking Filipinos,” he said.

BOC-CIIS Director Verne Enciso disclosed that the composite team made up of BOC-CIIS, PCG, and NBI agents caught motor tanker Bernadette on the act of conducting the “paihi.”

“The MT Bernadette was in the process of transferring diesel fuels to a lorry truck when our team apprehended them at around 9:45 in the evening of June 19. Two lorry trucks were found containing diesel fuel from the motor tanker,” he said.

Initial inventory on 20 June 2025 led to the discovery that the motor tanker was loaded with about 200,000 liters of diesel fuel while the two lorry trucks have 19,000 liters of diesel fuel and 40,000 liters of diesel fuel respectively, or a total of about 259,000 liters diesel fuel.

The 10 crew members of MT Bernadette were unable to show documents for the legality of their activity at the time of their apprehension.

Aside from the crew members, 11 others identified as drivers, porters, lookouts, and accomplices in the modus were caught, bringing the total number of apprehended individuals to 21.

The NBI-OTCD team immediately started the processing of the crew, drivers, and other accomplices involved in fuel smuggling for the conduct of inquest proceedings.

Moreover, members of the Philippine Army Security and Escort Batallion arrived at the vicinity to augment security during the anti-smuggling operation.

Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy, who lauded the operation, assured that these individuals and the organizations they belong to will face the full extent of the law.

“The continued vigilance of our officers led to this crucial operation. We commend every step taken to stop these illegal activities because these interceptions bring us closer to putting an end to these criminal networks and limiting their capabilities to repeat these activities,” he added.

The owners, ship captain, and crew of the seized vessel and lorry trucks, and owner of the seized diesel fuel will face administrative and criminal charges for violation of Sections 117, 1113, and 1401 of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), as well as RA 10963, or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.
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