Authorities seized alleged smuggled diesel worth more than P41 million and arrested two crew members of a marine tanker in the waters off Villanueva, Misamis Oriental on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

Operatives of the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) launched a sea patrol operation after receiving report on April 5, regarding a suspicious vessel anchored in the municipal waters of Lagonglong town.

Based on reports, several motorized bancas allegedly engaged in the unauthorized distribution of diesel fuel approached the vessel.

Police said the vessel bore no proper marking and its crew members failed to coordinate with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

Authorities confirmed that the cargo reportedly consisted of unmarked diesel that had not undergone proper customs processing, based on laboratory examination.

During the operation, the vessel’s captain, a 71-year-old resident of Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, and a chief mate, a 63-year-old resident of Batad, Iloilo, were arrested.

Seized were the marine tanker and around 300,000 liters of diesel fuel worth more than P41 million.

The individuals arrested were taken into police custody and may face charges for violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863).

On the other hand, the vessel and the fuel seized were turned over to the BOC.

“At a time when fuel supply is critical, we remain firm in our commitment to prevent the entry and circulation of illegal petroleum products in the region. I urge the public to immediately report any suspicious activities or illegal fuel transactions to authorities,” PRO-10 Director, Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano, said.

“PRO-10 reiterates its warning against individuals and groups engaged in illegal fuel trading and smuggling, stressing that intensified operations will persist across Northern Mindanao,” Abrahano added.