10/04/2026
๐๐๐.๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐; ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City โ Authorities successfully intercepted a marine tanker carrying an estimated P41.1 million worth of unmarked diesel and arrested two crew members for violation of R.A No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, on April 9, 2026 at the municipal waters of Villanueva, Misamis Oriental.
The operation stemmed from an intelligence report received on April 5, 2026, regarding a suspicious vessel anchored in the municipal waters of Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental. The vessel was reportedly being approached by several motorized bancas allegedly engaged in the unauthorized distribution of diesel fuel.
Acting on the report, joint operatives from the 1001st Maneuver Company, RMFB 10; Lagonglong MPS; Villanueva MPS; 1st PMFC, MORPPO; Regional Intelligence Division 10; Regional Maritime Unit 10; Bureau of Customs 10; and Philippine Coast Guard โ Northern Mindanao District conducted a sea patrol operation.
Authorities discovered that the vessel, identified as M/T Coral Song, bore no proper markings and had failed to coordinate with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Customs. Laboratory examination conducted by Sociรฉtรฉ Gรฉnรฉrale de Surveillance (SGS) Philippines confirmed that the cargo consisted of unmarked diesel that had not undergone proper customs processing.
Arrested during the operation were the vesselโs captain, a 71-year-old male resident of Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, and Chief Mate, a 63-year-old male resident of Batad, Iloilo.
Confiscated during the operation were the marine tanker and approximately 300,000 liters of diesel fuel, with an estimated value of PhP41,100,000.00. The actual volume is subject to final verification by a Bureau of Customs-designated surveyor.
The arrested individuals are now under the custody of the Villanueva Municipal Police Station, while the vessel has been turned over to the Bureau of Customs Region 10 for proper disposition. Charges for violation of Sec. 1401 of R.A. No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, will be filed against them.
PBGEN CHRISTOPHER N ABRAHANO, Regional Director, PRO10, lauded the coordinated efforts of all operating units and partner agencies in the successful conduct of the operation.
โAt a time when fuel supply is critical, we remain firm in our commitment to prevent the entry and circulation of illegal petroleum products in the region. I urge the public to immediately report any suspicious activities or illegal fuel transactions to authorities,โ he said.
PRO 10 reiterates its warning against individuals and groups engaged in illegal fuel trading and smuggling, stressing that intensified operations will persist across Northern Mindanao. # # #
SOURCE: RPIO PRO10