By Benjamin Cuaresma
LUCENA CITY — Eight fishermen are in Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) custody after authorities intercepted a fishing vessel carrying 5,000 liters of diesel fuel without the required permits off Tingloy, Batangas.
The PCG-Batangas Station acted on information Saturday, Aug. 15, about a fishing boat reportedly drifting roughly 30 meters from the shoreline of Barangay Makawayan because of engine trouble.
When Coast Guard personnel boarded and inspected the vessel, they found that the 26-meter-long fishing boat, with a gross tonnage of 15, was undocumented.
The inspection also uncovered the large volume of diesel being carried on board.
A crew member reportedly told Coast Guard personnel that the vessel was carrying 5,000 liters of diesel, of which 4,000 liters were intended as cargo.
The remaining 1,000 liters were reportedly meant for the vessel’s own consumption.
However, the crew could not present the government permits required for the transport of the petroleum products, prompting the PCG to initiate an investigation.
The PCG Legal Unit and Investigation and Detection Unit are conducting a case buildup to determine where the diesel came from, who owned it and where it was supposed to be delivered.
Investigators are also examining whether the fuel was being illegally transferred or sold at sea and whether other violations were committed in connection with its transport.
The authorities are expected to determine the legality of the petroleum shipment based on documentary evidence, ownership records and other findings gathered during the investigation.
The eight fishermen remain under PCG custody as the investigation continues.
The Coast Guard said appropriate charges will be filed if warranted by the evidence gathered against those involved.
The Batangas interception adds to heightened government efforts to detect and stop unauthorized movements of fuel, particularly shipments transported without the permits and documentation required under existing regulations.
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