Asia/Pacific News
Customs Seize 45,000 mt of Misdeclared Fuel Oil
The Philippines' Bureau of Customs (BOC) Monday seized approximately 45,000 metric tonnes (mt) of misdeclared fuel oil at the Port of Bataan, as well as the tankers in which the fuel oil was loaded, M/T Alpine Magnolia and M/T Malolos, local media reports.
"The oil shipment was fraudulently imported without the required Port Load Survey Report and with inconsistencies in documentation," said Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon, who noted that the fuel oil, which arrived on December 14 following a two-day voyage from Singapore, had been declared as industrial oil.
Deputy Customs Commissioner Edward James Dy Buco says that, on the afternoon of December 15, M/T Malolos was observed conducting a transfer operation with M/T Alpine Magnolia without appropriate documentation and without paying applicable duties and taxes.
"This is pure smuggling in violation of Customs laws and regulations," said Buco.
"Pursuant to the instructions of the President to fight corruption and all forms of criminality, the BOC will not stop in working hard to fight corruption and smuggling, especially of significant products such as oil and agricultural goods."
The apprehended cargo is noted to have been consigned to S.L. Harbor Bulk Terminal Corp. while the BOC readies charges against a Bataan-based company.
