The Bureau of Customs’ (BoC) Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) reported on Sunday that its operatives seized P219.5 million worth of smuggled fuel at La Union Port last 19 June 2025.

BoC-CIIS agents, in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard Task Force Aduana and the National Bureau of Investigation-Organized and Transnational Crime Division (NBI-OTCD), conducted intelligence and enforcement operations following reports of the “paihi” modus, which involves the illegal transfer of fuel.

BoC-CIIS director Verne Enciso disclosed that the composite team apprehended the motor tanker Bernadette in the act of conducting the “paihi.”

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

An initial inventory on 20 June revealed the motor tanker was loaded with approximately 200,000 liters of diesel fuel. The two lorry trucks contained 19,000 liters and 40,000 liters of diesel fuel, respectively, bringing the total seized to about 259,000 liters.

Reports also said that the 10 crew members of the MT Bernadette were unable to present documents proving the legality of their activity at the time of apprehension. Additionally, 11 other individuals — identified as drivers, porters, lookouts and accomplices — were apprehended, bringing the total number of individuals caught to 21.

The NBI-OTCD team immediately began processing the crew, drivers, and other accomplices for inquest proceedings related to fuel smuggling. Members of the Philippine Army Security and Escort Battalion also arrived to provide additional security during the operation.

Deputy commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy lauded the operation and assured that those involved would 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,” Uy said.

The owners, ship captain, and crew of the seized vessel and lorry trucks, along with the owner of the seized diesel fuel, will face administrative and criminal charges. These charges violate Sections 117, 1113, and 1401 of Republic Act 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, as well as RA 10963, or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law.