BOC cracks down on smuggled fuel in Bicol with fresh P2.6M seizure

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized more than ₱2.6 million worth of smuggled fuel from three gasoline stations in the Bicol Region, further intensifying its crackdown on tax evasion in the petroleum industry.

In a statement on 29 March, the BOC said a total of 39,146.1 liters of fuel were confiscated during a series of field tests conducted by the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) of the Port of Legazpi in coordination with Société Générale de Surveillance Philippines. The seized fuel failed both initial and confirmatory tests, showing marker levels below the required compliance threshold — a clear sign the fuel had been withdrawn from legitimate supply chains to evade taxes and duties.

Warrants of Seizure and Detention were immediately issued for the fuel, citing violations of the DOF-BIR-BOC Joint Circular No. 001-2021 in relation to Section 148-A of the National Internal Revenue Code, as amended by 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,” said District Collector Guillermo Pedro Francia IV. “However, we are determined to identify and penalize those who are non-compliant due to the threats to revenue and the undermining of lawful competition."

The operation is part of the BOC’s intensified campaign to protect government revenues and level the playing field for legitimate businesses under Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio’s 5-Point Priority Program and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s broader push against smuggling.

The seizure comes just weeks after a separate operation in February yielded 30,891.5 liters of unmarked fuel and a tank truck, valued at a total of ₱3.245 million, also in the Bicol Region. In that case, the Port of Legazpi’s ESS again found gasoline stations selling fuel that failed testing under the Fuel Marking Program.

"These operations reflect our unwavering commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring compliance within the fuel sector,” Francia said in February. “The identification and seizure of non-compliant fuel highlights our proactive stance against illegal fuel sales and tax evasion."

The BOC continues to urge the public to report suspicious activity in local fuel stations to assist in its enforcement efforts.