Mariveles, Bataan – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) intercepted 800,000 liters of smuggled fuel at the Marina Docking Port in Mariveles, Bataan, on Friday.
Authorities disrupted the illegal transfer of the fuel from a motor tanker to 11 lorry trucks.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago confirmed that the fuel had not undergone proper inspection, posing a significant safety risk.
Additionally, the shipment lacked the necessary tax documentation, classifying it as smuggled fuel.
Fifteen Filipinos were arrested during the operation. However, the suspects claimed they were unaware of the vessel’s owner and alleged that the fuel originated from a Chinese vessel.
The NBI is now investigating the source of the smuggled fuel and potential links to an international smuggling network.
Authorities have vowed to intensify their crackdown on illegal fuel trade to protect both public safety and government revenue.