Bongao, Tawi-Tawi — In a major blow to fuel smugglers, police seized 9,725 liters of suspected illicit petroleum products—worth an estimated ₱780,000—in two maritime operations off Tawi-Tawi on August 12, 2025.
Operatives from the Tawi-Tawi Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA) – PNP Maritime Group intercepted two motorized boats in the waters of Karugdong and Simandagit, both loaded with fuel allegedly sourced from an oil tanker in Malaysia. Authorities said the shipment was intended for distribution to local stores in Bongao and nearby towns, bypassing government taxes and regulations.
Officials warned that smuggling not only robs the government of millions in tax revenue but also weakens the legitimate oil industry and risks flooding communities with substandard fuel that can damage engines and pollute the seas.
“This is not just about lost income for the state—it’s about protecting our people, our industries, and our marine environment,” a maritime official stressed.
The PNP Maritime Group vowed to intensify sea patrols and strengthen inter-agency coordination to shut down smuggling routes, safeguard Philippine waters, and ensure fair competition in the fuel trade.