PCG apprehends ship for alleged oil smuggling in Manila Bay

A ship with seven crew was apprehended off Manila Bay waters on Thursday evening due to alleged fuel pilferage, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Friday.

In a statement, the PCG said its BRP Boracay around 10:30 p.m. sighted the ship MV Palawan which was carrying alleged smuggled diesel fuel.

“While underway to Bataan to augment MTKR Jason Bradley operations, BRP Boracay (FPB-2401) sighted MV Palawan with an undetermined quantity of alleged smuggled diesel fuel on board,” the PCG said.

                                                                   Photo courtesy: Philippine Coast Guard

According to the PCG, this illegal activity is also called “paihi.”

MV Palawan was en route to Navotas when it was apprehended. Citing information from the crew, the PCG said they took the fuel cargo from a tugboat. 

BRP Boracay towed MV Palawan to Pier 13, South Harbor, Port Area in Manila for further investigation., according to the PCG.

PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo is set to lead an inspection on the ship on Friday afternoon. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News