MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has issued a warrant of seizure and detention (WSD) against a truck loaded with 21,000 liters of unmarked and smuggled blended diesel fuel recently found in Manila.

In a statement Wednesday, Customs Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy said the warrant was issued on Aug. 4, after the truck carrying blended diesel fuel owned by V-Fuel Gasoline Station failed both field and confirmatory fuel marking tests.

Uy, who issued the Mission Order (MO) last July 8 to Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) chief Alvin Enciso, gave details of the case to be filed against the owner.

“Our order was to conduct validation on information received about the presence of fuel smuggling activities, conduct intelligence and enforcement operations against fuel smuggling in the areas of Manila, Navotas, and Malabon,” he said.

“It came to our attention that a lorry truck was in Vitas, Tondo, Manila, so we had it checked. Our agents inspected it and found the unmarked fuel. They brought it to the Port of Manila for safekeeping,” Uy added.

Tests done on the first three compartments with 16,000 liters of unmarked fuel on July 10 and 12, as well as the fourth compartment with 5,000 liters on July 19, all showed failed results.

“Our economy—the global economy, in fact—depends on the proper regulation of fuel. Smuggling of unmarked fuel into the country jeopardizes the health of the economy,” Uy said.

CIIS Director Verne Enciso said the owner of the fuel did not pay taxes and duties, which is in violation of Republic Act 10963 and Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) 43-2019, or the “Implementing the Fuel Marking Program.”

“The Field Inspection Team would have to impound the non-compliant fuel following proper procedures, of course,” he added.

The BOC official underscored the need for “procedures to be followed, so violators of our laws and rules will face the consequences of their illegal activities.”

“Substandard fuel maximizes the profits only of those who sell it. Consumers are forced to carry the risks unwillingly and without them knowing. We are working double time to stop these activities and ensure our people are protected from those who make a mockery of our laws,” Enciso added.