PCG checking if sunken ships engaged in smuggling

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will verify if the sunken motor tankers Terra Nova and Jason Bradley as well as grounded motor vessel Mirola 1 were engaged in oil smuggling activities.

In an article posted on GMA News online, PCG Bataan station commander Lt. Commander Michael John Encina said they are currently coordinating with other government agencies to determine the veracity of reports that the three vessels that encountered mishaps in Bataan were involved in a scheme called “paihi.”

The “paihi” takes place when oil from large vessels is transferred to smaller craft while at sea to avoid paying taxes.

“We are not discounting these reports,” Encina said.

They have also begun coordinating with other agencies and are checking on the previous citations of the three vessels.

“We are not saying that they are involved in smuggling. We do not want to drop information unless it is confirmed by our investigator. We do not discount the report, but right now we are focused on the clean-up and containment of the oil spill,” he added.

Encina also explained that two teams have been formed in relation to the oil spill.

One team, of which he is part, takes care of the response and containment of the oil spill; while the other team called Marine Casualty Investigation (MCI) is in charge of determining the cause of the incident.

The MCI is made up of officers from the PCG and the Maritime Industry Authority.

PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said that the MCI had started its investigation.