PCG arrests 8 fishermen for suspected fuel smuggling in Batangas

LUCENA CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) arrested eight fishermen suspected of smuggling fuel in Tingloy, Batangas, on Saturday, Aug. 15.

In a report, the PCG-Batangas Station said it received information about a fishing vessel that had been drifting about 30 meters from the shoreline of Barangay Makawayan, reportedly due to engine trouble.

PCG personnel inspected the vessel and questioned its captain and crew, discovering that the 26-meter-long fishing vessel, with a gross tonnage of 15, was undocumented.

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One of the crew members also disclosed that the vessel was carrying 5,000 liters of diesel fuel without the required government permits.

According to the crew member, 4,000 liters of the diesel were intended as cargo, while the remaining 1,000 liters were for the vessel’s own consumption.

The PCG Legal Unit and Investigation and Detection Unit are conducting an investigation and case buildup to determine the source, ownership, intended disposition, and legality of the petroleum products, as well as the circumstances surrounding the suspected unauthorized transfer or sale of fuel at sea.

The eight suspects were placed in PCG custody while the investigation continues. Appropriate charges will be filed if warranted by the findings. /atm