THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) office in Legazpi City has turned over 1,783 liters of confiscated diesel fuel to the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) Bicol district to strengthen maritime security and operational readiness in the region.
The donated diesel originated from unmarked fuel seized during an enforcement operation conducted by a composite team from the BOC and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
Under Section 1141 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), forfeited goods may be donated to another government agency upon approval by the secretary of finance.
The donation received the necessary clearance after Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno secured approval from the Department of Finance.
Finance officials raised no objection to the transfer, noting that the confiscated fuel would be used specifically for government operations.
Legazpi District Collector Guillermo Pedro Francia IV underscored the Coast Guard’s crucial role in customs enforcement and maritime security.
Francia described the PCG District Bicol as a key partner in combating smuggling, human trafficking, and other illicit activities in the country’s maritime corridors.
He said the fuel donation would help intensify sea patrols, strengthen maritime law enforcement, and support disaster response missions throughout the Bicol Region.
The PCG welcomed the donation, saying it would directly enhance its operational capability and sustain patrol, inspection, and emergency response activities.
The initiative aligns with the BOC’s Integrity, Accountability, and Modernization (IAM) agenda and supports the administration’s push to strengthen border security, curb smuggling, and deepen cooperation among government agencies in advancing public service and national security.
