Authorities seized an estimated ₱41.1 million worth of smuggled petroleum and arrested two crew members during an operation in the waters of Lagonglong and Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, on Araw ng Kagitingan, April 9, 2026.
Police Brig. Gen. Christopher N. Abrahano, regional director of Police Regional Office 10, identified the suspects as alias “Rodrigo,” 71, captain of Motor Tanker Coral Song, and alias “Raul,” 63, chief mate of the vessel. Both face charges for violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
The operation was carried out through the joint efforts of personnel from the 1001st Maneuver Company of Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10, Lagonglong Municipal Police Station, Villanueva Municipal Police Station, 1st Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office, Regional Intelligence Division 10, Regional Maritime Unit 10, Bureau of Customs 10, and Philippine Coast Guard–Northern Mindanao.
Authorities discovered the illegal activity after receiving information about an unidentified vessel anchored in the waters of Lagonglong that was reportedly secretly dispensing diesel to motorized boats.
During verification, authorities found that the vessel had no proper markings and had not coordinated with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Customs.
A boarding operation was conducted, during which authorities collected samples of the cargo. Laboratory examination later confirmed that the fuel was unmarked and had not passed through the Bureau of Customs.
The crew also failed to present the required documents for the vessel and its cargo, prompting authorities to arrest the suspects and seize the Motor Tanker Coral Song along with about 300,000 liters of diesel.
“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,” Abrahano said. He also urged the public to report suspicious activities or illegal fuel transactions to authorities.
