The Bureau of Customs (BoC) has donated 1,783 liters of seized diesel fuel to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to support maritime security and patrol operations across the Bicol region, officials said.

The fuel was turned over to the PCG District Bicol after being confiscated as unmarked diesel during a joint enforcement operation by the BoC and the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Under Section 1141 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, forfeited goods may be donated to other government agencies upon approval from the secretary of finance.

Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno secured the necessary authorization for the transfer.

"As a deputized agency of the Bureau of Customs, the Coast Guard District Bicol serves as a key partner in enforcing customs regulations and preventing illicit maritime activities such as smuggling and human trafficking," district collector Guillermo Pedro Francia IV said during the turnover ceremony.

Francia added that the fuel will be used to increase seaborne patrols, disaster response efforts, and maritime law enforcement operations.

Coast Guard officials welcomed the donation, noting it will directly sustain ongoing vessel patrols, port inspections and emergency response capabilities.