MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has launched legal action against the owners and crew of two vessels:The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has launched legal action against the owners and crew of two vessels, MT Tritrust and MT Mega Ensoleillee, for their involvement in an illicit oil smuggling operation discovered at Navotas Fish Port, involving unmarked fuel valued at approximately P715,350,000.
According to Philippines News Agency, the complaints were filed following the interception of a clandestine fuel transfer between the two tankers. The BOC, enforcing stringent regulations under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, the National Internal Revenue Code, and the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law, filed charges at the Navotas City Prosecutor’s Office against nine crew members of MT Tritrust and 16 from MT Mega Ensoleillee, along with the still unnamed owners of the vessels.
The arrests occurred last Wednesday when a fuel marking test conducted by the Enforcement Group-Fuel Marking agents rev
ealed the presence of unmarked fuel, leading to a FAIL outcome. The lack of a Withdrawal Certificate and other necessary documentation prompted immediate action from authorities. The BOC emphasized that unmarked fuel is generally presumed to be illegally imported, highlighting the severity of the breach of national regulations.
Further investigation revealed substantial quantities of diesel on both vessels; MT Tritrust was found to be carrying approximately 320,463 liters, while MT Mega Ensoleillee had 39,884 liters on board. The findings have led to serious allegations against those involved in the operation, underscoring the government’s commitment to combating fuel smuggling and ensuring compliance with tax and customs laws.