Motor tanker impounded over fuel pilferage

MANILA, Philippines — A motor tanker suspected to be involved in fuel pilferage or paihi scheme has been impounded by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) following an anti-smuggling operation at the port of La Union.

A composite team of the BOC, Philippine Coast Guard and National Bureau of Investigation reportedly caught 22 people transferring fuel from the motor tanker Bernadette to two lorry trucks on June 19.

Verne Enciso, chief of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services, said the team arrested the 10 crewmembers of the motor tanker and 12 other men including drivers, porters and their lookouts.

Enciso said the crewmembers of the Bernadette failed to present documents for their cargo.

BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said that operations against entry of unmarked fuel in the country must be intensified.

Rubio said smuggled fuel does not only affect the economy, but it also poses danger to consumers.

“The disruption of this paihi scheme, which brings unmarked fuel into our communities, is important to protect the people,” Rubio said.

An initial inventory conducted on June 20 showed the motor tanker was carrying about 200,000 liters of diesel.

The team said each truck contained 19,000 liters and 40,000 liters of fuel when the raid was conducted at around 9:45 p.m.

The BOC said the owners, skipper and crewmembers of the Bernadette and the lorry trucks would be charged for violating Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and RA 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law.