MANILA:The Bureau of Customs, along with members of the Philippine Coast Guard, confiscated at least 20,000 liters of suspected smuggled diesel in Orion Port in Bataan here the other night.
According to Bureau of Customs district collector Rolando Ricafrente, they received a report of illegal activities in the port, which is currently closed for renovation.
Authorities believe the smuggled oil is sold in small amounts, or what is known as “paihi.”
The oil, which was discovered inside a boat, was supposed to have been transferred to a tanker truck.
According to German Tuguigui, port manager, this is the first case of illegal oil smuggling in the port.
However, residents say they have seen several boats in the area, which they believe are involved in smuggling of oil.
Authorities have yet to determine which oil company owns the trailer truck found at the scene.
A warrant of seizure and detention will also be issued to aid in the investigation.
