P3.3-M worth of smuggled gasoline seized in Tawi-Tawi; 10 arrested

Operatives of the Maritime Group of the Philippine National Police (PNP) seized some P3.3 million worth of smuggled gasoline in a small port in Languyan town of Tawi-Tawi.

Brig. Gen. John Mitchell Jamili, director of the Maritime Group, said his men conducted the operation after his men conducting regular patrol in the area spotted a vessel off the waters of Languyan town at around 5 p.m. on Thursday.

“The vessel immediately sped off when they sensed the presence of the operating team. The team chased the motorboat and stopped them thereafter conducted proper boarding procedures,” said Jamili.

“During the inspection, we confirmed that the vessel has gasoline on drums on board and other various goods with no pertinent documents,” he added.

Jamili said the operation also resulted in the arrest of 10 alleged local fuel smugglers identified as Saldi Sali, 29; Kads Abdulmajid, 37; Tanong Sali, 28; Asri Tuwad, 32; Pepe Yusof, 25; Totoh Abdulfagur, 38; Raki Idris, 30; Moktaden Daud, 37; Toy Iya, 39; and, Puwa Idris, 43. They are also residents of Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi.

Seized were 400 drums full of gasoline worth P3.3 milion and one motor launch boat worth P2.5 million

The suspects are now facing violation of Republc Act 10863, or Customs Modernization and Tariff Act).