By Connie Calipay

CLOSED. A gasoline station in Camarines Sur is shut down due to a violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act in this undated photo. The Bureau of Customs-Legazpi’s Enforcement and Security Service confiscated on January 23 and 29, 2025 over PHP3.2 million worth of gasoline, diesel and a fuel truck involved in the illegal sale of unmarked fuel in the Bicol Region. (Photo courtesy of BOC)

LEGAZPI CITY – The Bureau of Customs-Legazpi’s Enforcement and Security Service (BOC-ESS) reported on Tuesday the confiscation of over PHP3.2 million worth of gasoline, diesel and a fuel truck involved in the illegal sale of unmarked fuel.

According to the belated news release, authorities seized 30,891.5 liters of gasoline and diesel worth PHP1.745 million from two gasoline stations in Camarines Sur on Jan. 23 and 29, along with a fuel truck valued at PHP1.5 million on Jan. 29, bringing the total estimated value of the confiscated assets to PHP3.245 million.

BOC District Collector Guillermo Pedro Francia IV said that the seizure supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for stricter enforcement and fiscal responsibility.

“The recent operations in the Bicol Region reflect our unwavering commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring compliance within the fuel sector. The identification and seizure of illegal fuel highlight our proactive stance against illegal fuel sales and tax evasion,” Francia said.

He urged all fuel station operators to strictly adhere to regulatory standards to avoid severe consequences.

To combat fuel smuggling, Francia said the BOC conducts random field tests of retail stations and tank trucks to verify compliance with the Fuel Marking Program. Samples that fail the tests may indicate smuggling or non-payment of taxes. (Connie Calipay/PNA)