The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is investigating whether the sunken motor tankers Terra Nova and Jason Bradley, along with the grounded motor vessel Mirola 1, were involved in oil smuggling activities known as “paihi,” where oil is transferred from large vessels to smaller craft at sea to evade taxes.
PCG Bataan station commander Lt. Commander Michael John Encina stated that they are coordinating with other government agencies to verify these reports.
While the PCG is focusing on the oil spill’s cleanup and containment, they are not ruling out the possibility of smuggling.
Two teams have been formed: one for oil spill response and the other, the Marine Casualty Investigation (MCI), to investigate the cause of the incidents.
The MCI has commenced its investigation, including officers from the PCG and the Maritime Industry Authority.
Source : PhilNews24 | August 5, 2024
