PINE OLIA

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Tanker seized for oil smuggling

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized two vessels carrying a combined 45,000 metric tons (MT) of smuggled fuel worth Php 700 million in the port of Limay in Bataan. The "Alpine Magnolia" and the "Malolos" were carrying the smuggled fuel. They have a combined estimated value of Php 300 million. The BOC caught its big haul when Limay Acting District Collector Julius Premediles received information from a reliable informant about the arrival of the "Alpine Magnolia" and the possibility that the ship could be carrying smuggled fuel. Upon verification with the office of the DepComm for AOCG, it was noticed that the load Port Survey Report (LPSR) contained serious inconsistencies. A team from the Commissioner’s anti-smuggling task force, armed with a Letter of Authority and a Mission Order, was immediately dispatched to the area to monitor the movements of the vessel and the actions of its crew members. In the afternoon of Dec 15, 2016, the "Malolos Limay" was seen to have gone alongside the "Alpine Magnolia" and discharging of fuel started. This was done without lodgment or filing of entry. No duties and taxes were paid. Immediately a Warrant of Seizure and Detention covering the two oil tankers and its contents of fuel was issued. The vessels were included in the apprehension because they were obviously used in the commission of smuggling. The apprehended cargo was consigned to S.L. Harbor Bulk Terminal Corp. The BOC was now readying charges against this Bataan-based company.