Oil smuggling? Indonesian and local vessels intercepted

CEBU, Philippines - Coast Guard (CG) authorities are conducting investigation on what could be a possible case of oil pilferage and smuggling allegedly done at the seawaters of Naga City, southern Cebu.

Cebu Coast Guard Chief Rolando Lizor Punzalan Jr. said they received intelligence reports that some personnel of Indonesian sea vessel Buleleng, which was carrying 3,005 liters of a still undetermined type of fuel, illegally transferred some of their cargo to Petronilo I, which is owned by Manila-based Clavella Marine Services. 

As of yesterday, however, there was no reason to ground both vessels as authorities were still waiting for results of the samples they sent to Manila yesterday morning.

As of now, they could not prevent Buleleng from leaving Naga City where it is docked, said the CG chief. The vessel is expected to leave for Indonesia today.

Petronilo I was still docked at Labogon, Mandaue City as of press time.

Buleleng’s 10-man crew could not show any document that would say anything about their cargo or its origin. Records show, however, that the vessel left Indonesia last June 17.

Intelligence reports that reached CG was that Buleleng was carrying smuggled fuel and that Petrolino 1 was its recipient.

The oil pilferage, or the unauthorized transfer of the oil cargo from Buleleng to Petronilo I, reportedly happened near the waters at the vicinity of Apo Cement Corp.

Because of this, the cement firm was also asked questions although Coast Guard authorities stressed the company has not been officially impleaded in the investigation as of yet.

The test results, which are expected to be released early next week, will then be forwarded to the Bureau of Customs 7 which is now handling the investigation.

“We got oil samples because intelligence reports specifically identified these two vessels. But all these are procedural, we cannot conclude yet,” said Punzalan.

If the Indonesian vessel leaves the country today, Punzalan said they have no reason to stop it because they are still awaiting test results.

If investigation would show the allegations of smuggling and pilferage to be true, the BOC can take legal steps on this, he added. — /JPM (FREEMAN)