By AARON RECUENCO
The Maritime Group of the Philippine National Police (PNP) seized some P3.3-million worth of smuggled gasoline in a small port in Languyan, Tawi-Tawi Thursday.
Police Brig. Gen. John Mitchell Jamili, director of the Maritime Group, said his men conducted the operation after they spotted a vessel off Languyan at around 5 p.m. while patrolling the area.
“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 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, residents of Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi.
Seized were 400 drums full of gasoline worth P3.3 million and one motor launch boat worth P2.5 million, according to Jamili.
The suspects are now facing violation of Republic Act No. 10863, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.