The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) intercepted two motorboats in Manila Bay on suspicion of involvement in an oil pilferage scheme, commonly known as the “paihi” operation.
PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo reported that the BRP Boracay spotted M/B Palawan operating without lights in the vicinity of Manila Bay on Thursday night. Upon boarding the vessel, PCG personnel discovered that the crew could not provide documentation justifying their presence in the area or the 6,000 liters of diesel found onboard.
Balilo added that in the early hours of Friday, a smaller motorboat was also apprehended. The crew, when questioned, could not account for the 2,000 liters of gasoline they were carrying.
“Naka-encounter sila ng isang suspicious vessel – walang ilaw, walang AIS (Automatic Identification System), pero umaandar so nagduda na kaagad sila…so sinundan at nagboard sila – nung binoard nila – may lamang langis, walang papeles, yung safety nung barko maraming depekto so hinuli natin,” Balilo explained to the media.
Both vessels are reportedly owned by the same individual, though their identity remains under investigation. Fifteen crew members from the two boats are currently in PCG custody in Manila.
The driver of M/B Palawan, who identified himself as “Sonny,” admitted to ABS-CBN News that he is new to this scheme, acknowledging their involvement in illegal activity.
“Bago lang po ako dito sir, sa tugboat ho – ibebenta ho nila samin,” Sonny confessed.
Meanwhile, Johnny, the skipper of the smaller boat, shared that he is paid P650 per day for transporting 15 to 20 drums of smuggled crude oil in each transaction.
”Diyan sa mga barko – tugboat, water pump. Kalahating oras. Arawan lang po – P650. Minsan umaabot po ng bente-kinse – drum,” Johnny said.
Balilo emphasized that the PCG is conducting regular patrols in the area to prevent further oil smuggling incidents. He also warned the public against buying smuggled oil products.
“Inaalam din natin kung sino yung pinagbebentahan kasi importante na yung cycle mula sa ikinarga hanggang sa dinisposed ay malaman natin para kung gagawa tayo ng hakbang kuha natin yung whole picture. (JC) Basically this is an oil smuggling na papatak sa Customs Law. Definitely may kulong ito. Warning natin huwag tangkilikin kasi baka madamay sila dun sa kaso,” Balilo warned.