BUREAU of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio has commended the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service – Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) for a successful operation at the Navotas Fish Port that led to the seizure of over P20 million worth of smuggled fuel.
The operation also resulted in the filing of criminal cases against some officers and 24 crew members of vessels MT Tritrust and MT Mega Ensoleilee who were allegedly caught in the act of illegally transferring unmarked fuel from one vessel to another.
“The operation leading to the arrest of these individuals and the identification of the Megapower Petroleum and Shipping Corporation as the registered owner of the two vessels (based on) evidence necessary for this case to prosper,” Rubio said.
The Navotas City prosecutor’s office issued a resolution last week for the filing of criminal charges against the officers and crew of the vessels, citing prima facie evidence and reasonable certainty of conviction in the case.
The charges stemmed from alleged violation of Section 265-A of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), amended by Section 80 of Republic Act 10963, also known as the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.
CIIS director Verne Enciso gave assurance that the bureau, along with the Department of Justice (DOJ), will continue to go after smugglers and anyone involved in the illegal transfer of fuel.
The MT Tritrust was caught transporting 320,463 liters of unmarked diesel fuel, while the MT Mega Ensoleilee also had 39,884 liters of unmarked diesel fuel, estimated to be worth some P20.35 million.
Additionally, the resolution ordered a preliminary investigation for the prosecution of additional charges in violation of Section 1401 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) for unlawful importation against the owner, manager, and/or corporate officers of the Megapower Petroleum and Shipping Corp.
Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy stated that the company will possibly face charges in relation to violations of Section 1401 of the CMTA.
“A subpoena will be issued to the Securities and Exchange Commission to submit the latest GIS, or general information sheet, of the Megapower Petroleum. This will kick start the prosecutor’s investigation into the company and its activities relating to their possible involvement in the paihi (leak) system,” he said.
