Philippine Coast Guard intercepts vessels allegedly involved in oil smuggling | ABS-CBN
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Philippine Coast Guard intercepts vessels allegedly involved in oil smuggling
Philippine Coast Guard intercepts vessels allegedly involved in oil smuggling
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has apprehended two motorboats in Manila Bay allegedly involved in oil pilferage or “paihi" scheme.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has apprehended two motorboats in Manila Bay allegedly involved in oil pilferage or “paihi" scheme.
PCG spokesman Read Admiral Armand Balilo said BRP Boracay sighted M/B Palawan without lights at the vicinity of Manila Bay on Thursday night.
PCG spokesman Read Admiral Armand Balilo said BRP Boracay sighted M/B Palawan without lights at the vicinity of Manila Bay on Thursday night.
PCG personnel boarded the said motorboat and upon inspection, its crew were unable to present any documents that can explain its presence in the area and the 6,000 liters of diesel on board.
PCG personnel boarded the said motorboat and upon inspection, its crew were unable to present any documents that can explain its presence in the area and the 6,000 liters of diesel on board.
Balilo added that on early morning on Friday a smaller motorboat was also apprehended. When asked, its crew cannot explain the 2,000 liters of gasoline it was carrying.
Balilo added that on early morning on Friday a smaller motorboat was also apprehended. When asked, its crew cannot explain the 2,000 liters of gasoline it was carrying.
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“Naka-encounter sila ng isang suspicious vessel - walang ilaw, walang AIS (Automatic Identification System), pero umaandar so nagduda na kaagad sila…so sinundan at nagboard sila - nung binoard nila - may lamang langis, walang papeles, yung safety nung barko marmaing dipekto so hinuli natin,” Balilo told the media.
“Naka-encounter sila ng isang suspicious vessel - walang ilaw, walang AIS (Automatic Identification System), pero umaandar so nagduda na kaagad sila…so sinundan at nagboard sila - nung binoard nila - may lamang langis, walang papeles, yung safety nung barko marmaing dipekto so hinuli natin,” Balilo told the media.
According to Balilo, the 2 boats belong to the same owner whose identity has yet to be verified.
According to Balilo, the 2 boats belong to the same owner whose identity has yet to be verified.
A total of 15 crew members of these motorboats are now under the custody of PCG in Manila.
A total of 15 crew members of these motorboats are now under the custody of PCG in Manila.
The driver of M/B Palawan who identified himself as "Sonny" told ABS-CBN News that he is just new to this “scheme” while admitting they knew that what they’re doing is illegal.
The driver of M/B Palawan who identified himself as "Sonny" told ABS-CBN News that he is just new to this “scheme” while admitting they knew that what they’re doing is illegal.
“Bago lang po ako dito sir, sa tugboat ho - ibebenta ho nila samin,” Sonny said.
“Bago lang po ako dito sir, sa tugboat ho - ibebenta ho nila samin,” Sonny said.
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Johnny, the skipper of the smaller boat, said he is being paid P650 a day.
Johnny, the skipper of the smaller boat, said he is being paid P650 a day.
He said they are transporting about 15 to 20 drums of smuggled crude oil every transaction.
He said they are transporting about 15 to 20 drums of smuggled crude oil every transaction.
”Diyan sa mga barko - tugboat, water pump. Kalahating oras. Arawan lang po - P650. Minsan umaabot po ng bente- kinse - drum,” Johnny added.
”Diyan sa mga barko - tugboat, water pump. Kalahating oras. Arawan lang po - P650. Minsan umaabot po ng bente- kinse - drum,” Johnny added.
According to Balilo, the PCG is doing its regular patrolling in the area to avert similar incident of oil smuggling.
According to Balilo, the PCG is doing its regular patrolling in the area to avert similar incident of oil smuggling.
Balilo also warns the public not to patronize smuggled oil products.
Balilo also warns the public not to patronize smuggled oil products.
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“Inaalam din natin kung sino yung pinagbebentahan kasi importante na yung cycle mula sa ikinarga hanggang sa dinisposed ay malaman natin para kung gagawa tayo ng hakbang kuha natin yung whole picture. (JC) basically this is an oil smuggling na papatak sa Customs Law,. Definitely may kulong ito. Warning natin huwag tangkilikin kasi baka madamay sila dun sa kaso,” Balilo explained.
“Inaalam din natin kung sino yung pinagbebentahan kasi importante na yung cycle mula sa ikinarga hanggang sa dinisposed ay malaman natin para kung gagawa tayo ng hakbang kuha natin yung whole picture. (JC) basically this is an oil smuggling na papatak sa Customs Law,. Definitely may kulong ito. Warning natin huwag tangkilikin kasi baka madamay sila dun sa kaso,” Balilo explained.
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