Smuggled oil seized in Naga

The National Bureau of Investigation seized 13 barrels of smuggled crude oil allegedly delivered by an Indonesian tugboat at the shoreline of barangay North Poblacion, Naga.

NBI executive officer Ernesto Macabare said that they received the information two weeks ago on the alleged oil smuggling activity in the area. He added that they immediately conducted surveillance operation until they confirmed it last Wednesday.

A team personally led by Macabare swooped down on the shoreline of barangay North Poblacion, Naga yesterday dawn that resulted to the confiscation of the 13 barrels of suspected smuggled crude oil. The NBI however failed to arrest the crew of MT Gandhi, an Indonesian tugboat, which was allegedly the source of the smuggled oil.

The NBI however took into their custody two Naga residents who were found loading the crude oil into the barrel. But, Marti Montañez and Jeffrey Rivera denied any involvement in the illegal activity. According to them, they are just mere laborers paid to get the oil from the Indonesian tugboat. Macabare said they have already identified the people behind the smuggling activity, but refused to divulge the names because of their ongoing follow-up operation. -Fred P. Languido/MEEV