BOC donates over 6,000 liters of smuggled diesel to PCG
THE Bureau of Customs (BOC), thru the Port of Clark, donated 6,357.8 liters of ‘unmarked’ (smuggled) diesel fuel to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to support the latter’s maritime operations.
At a simple ceremony last July 8, 2022, PoC district collector, Alexandra Lumontad, turned over the confiscated diesel to Subic PGC commander, LTJG Eunica Marie Tomioka.
Also in attendance is Deputy Collector for Operations Jesus Llorando, Chief of Auction and Cargo Disposal Unit Atty. Eleazar Rabanes and representatives from Enforcement & Security Service (ESS) and Customs Intelligence & Investigation Service (CIIS).
The smuggled diesel, loaded in several steel drums, were seized at the PoC in September 2021 thru a ‘Letter of Authority’ (LOA) signed by Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero under the government’s ‘Fuel Marking Program’ (FMP). Fuel products ‘unmarked’ by the government is considered smuggled and subject to seizure.
The donation, aimed at assisting the PCG in its maritime search and rescue, safety and security operations, was approved by Department of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez.
The PCG is also a close partner of the BOC in its anti-smuggling campaign to ensure transparency and more accountability.