Following the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC’s) crackdown on illegal fuel operations in the Bicol Region by the Port of Legazpi, three more gasoline stations have been found with 39,146.1 liters of non-compliant fuel with an estimated value of PhP2.6 million.

During the random field testing conducted by the BOC Enforcement and Security Service (BOC-ESS) in coordination with Société Générale de Surveillance Philippines, both the initial and confirmatory tests found the marker below the required compliance threshold, indicating that the fuel was withdrawn to evade taxes and duties.

In response, Warrants of Seizure and Detention has been issued against fuel products stored in the subject gasoline stations for violations of the DOF-BIR-BOC Joint Circular No. 001-2021, in relation to Section 148-A of Republic Act No. 8424, known as the ‘National Internal Revenue Code,’ as amended by Republic Act No. 10963, also referred to as the ‘TRAIN LAW.

“These findings highlight the persistent challenges we face in enforcing fuel regulations. It is evident that some operators continue to defy compliance measures,” stated District Collector Guillermo Pedro Francia IV. “However, we are determined to identify and penalize those who are non-complaint due to threats to revenue and undermines lawful competitions.”

Customs Police Division – ESS, Enforcement Group reaffirmed its commitment to remain vigilant in the fight against fuel smuggling as part of the 5-Point Priority Program of Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administration’s commitment to uphold public welfare and protect legitimate businesses from the detrimental consequences of smuggling, particularly the proliferation of unmarked fuel that threatens market integrity and fair competition.

In light of these discoveries, the BOC urges the public to report any suspicious activities at local fuel stations to aid in their enforcement efforts.