MALUSO, Basilan — Authorities in Basilan have intensified their crackdown on smuggling activities after law enforcement operatives confiscated an estimated 525 liters of alleged smuggled diesel worth approximately ₱42,000 during a late-night operation in Maluso town.
The operation, conducted at around 9:30 p.m. on June 22, 2026, resulted in the recovery of approximately 18 gallons of diesel fuel abandoned along a highway in Barangay Abong-Abong, Maluso, Basilan.
The seizure forms part of the continuing anti-smuggling campaign of the Basilan Police Provincial Office (BPPO) under the leadership of Provincial Director Police Colonel Cerrazid A. Umabong, who has directed police units across the province to strengthen law enforcement efforts against illegal trade and other unlawful activities that undermine public safety and government revenue collection.
According to police reports, the operation was launched after concerned citizens alerted authorities about the presence of suspected smuggled fuel in the area.
Acting swiftly on the information, personnel from the Maluso Municipal Police Station (MPS), led by Police Executive Master Sergeant Idris H. Islani and supervised by Chief of Police Police Major Arnel N. De Ocampo, immediately responded to the reported location.
The police team was joined by troops from the 32nd Infantry Battalion’s Charlie Company under the leadership of Lieutenant Christian Salmera, as well as personnel from the Tactical Support Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14B (RMFB-14B), who assisted in verifying the report and conducting the necessary law enforcement operations.
Upon arrival at the scene, authorities discovered several containers of diesel fuel that appeared to have been abandoned. A thorough investigation was conducted in an effort to identify the owner or individuals responsible for transporting and storing the fuel.
However, despite extensive efforts by responding personnel, no claimant surfaced and no person was found in possession of or directly linked to the recovered diesel.
Police said the circumstances surrounding the abandonment of the fuel raised suspicions that it may have been smuggled into the province through illegal channels, prompting authorities to coordinate immediately with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for proper legal processing and disposition.
The confiscated fuel is now being processed under the provisions of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), which strengthens the government’s authority to combat smuggling and enforce customs regulations.
Authorities estimate the value of the recovered diesel at approximately ₱42,000 based on prevailing market prices.
Pending further action from the Bureau of Customs, the alleged smuggled diesel remains under the custody of the Charlie Company of the 32nd Infantry Battalion for safekeeping and documentation.
Officials emphasized that fuel smuggling not only deprives the government of much-needed revenues but also poses economic and security concerns, particularly in border and coastal communities where illegal trading activities continue to persist.
The Basilan Police Provincial Office reiterated its commitment to working closely with the military, customs authorities, and local communities to combat smuggling operations and ensure that violators of customs and trade laws are held accountable.
Authorities likewise encouraged the public to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activities, stressing that community cooperation remains a crucial component in the province’s ongoing efforts to curb smuggling and other illegal activities.