VILLANUEVA, Misamis Oriental — Authorities intercepted a marine tanker carrying an estimated P41.1 million worth of unmarked diesel fuel and arrested two of its crew members in a coordinated maritime operation on April 9, 2026, intensifying the government’s crackdown on fuel smuggling in Northern Mindanao.
The operation, conducted in the municipal waters of Villanueva, stemmed from an intelligence report received on April 5 regarding a suspicious vessel anchored off Lagonglong town. The vessel had reportedly been approached by several motorized bancas believed to be engaged in the unauthorized distribution of diesel fuel.
Acting swiftly on the tip, joint operatives from multiple law enforcement and regulatory agencies launched a sea patrol that led to the interception of the tanker. Among the units involved were the 1001st Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10, Lagonglong and Villanueva Municipal Police Stations, the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office, the Regional Intelligence Division 10, the Regional Maritime Unit 10, the Bureau of Customs Region 10, and the Philippine Coast Guard–Northern Mindanao District.
Authorities found that the vessel bore no proper markings and had failed to coordinate with both the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Customs—clear violations of maritime and customs regulations. A laboratory examination conducted by Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS) Philippines confirmed that the cargo consisted of unmarked diesel that had not undergone the required customs processing.
Arrested during the operation were the vessel’s captain, a 71-year-old resident of Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, and the chief mate, a 63-year-old resident of Batad, Iloilo.
Seized from the tanker were approximately 300,000 liters of diesel fuel, with an estimated value of P41.1 million. Authorities noted that the final volume remains subject to verification by a Bureau of Customs-designated surveyor.
The arrested individuals are currently under the custody of the Villanueva Municipal Police Station, while the vessel has been turned over to the Bureau of Customs Region 10 for proper disposition. Charges for violation of Section 1401 of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, are being prepared against the suspects.
Christopher N. Abrahano, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 10, commended the seamless coordination among operating units and partner agencies, emphasizing the importance of sustained vigilance amid ongoing fuel supply challenges.
“At a time when fuel supply is critical, we remain firm in our commitment to prevent the entry and circulation of illegal petroleum products in the region. I urge the public to immediately report any suspicious activities or illegal fuel transactions to authorities,” Abrahano said.
Police Regional Office 10 reiterated its warning against individuals and groups involved in illegal fuel trading and smuggling, stressing that intensified maritime and coastal operations will continue across Northern Mindanao as part of broader efforts to protect consumers and ensure the integrity of the country’s fuel supply chain.