Customs impounds 2 ships for smuggling oil

THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) has impounded two ships at the Navotas Fish Port that were used in oil smuggling. Customs Commissioner Bievenido Rubio said on Thursday the MT Tritrust and MT Mega Ensoleilee were seized by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP). The tankers used what is described as "paihi" to illegally transfer P20,350,000 worth of unmarked fuel. The fuel did not have the proper markings, indicating that taxes and duties were not paid. "They should know by now that nothing will stop us from fulfilling our mandate of protecting our borders and ensuring that only safe and well-tested products reach our markets," Rubio said. BoC-CIIS Director Verne Enciso said he received information that the tankers were bringing in 370,000 liters of unmarked fuel. The Tritrust was carrying 330,000 liters, and Mega Ensoleilee 40,000 liters. A joint team from the CIIS team and the Philippine Coast Guard Task Force Aduana boarded the two ships. Samples taken from the seized shipments confirmed that they were unmarked. Fuel marking is required under the National Internal Revenue Code, as amended by Republic Act 10963, or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) Law. The team also valued the Tritrust at P245 million and the Mega Ensoleilee at P450 million. Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy said the team secured the two vessels.