PATROL and other operations of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in the Bicol region were given a further boost after the Bureau of Customs (BOC) decided to donate 1,783 liters of diesel it confiscated in the course of implementing the government’s ‘Fuel Marking Program’ (FMP).
Port of Legazpi District Collector Pedro ‘Jay’ Francia IV said the turnover was made last June 16, after Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno got the approval of Finance Secretary of Frederick Go.
Under Customs laws, the agency has the option to donate forfeited goods subject to the approval of the Secretary of Finance.
“As a deputized agency of the Bureau of Customs, the Coast Guard District Bicol serves as a key partner in enforcing customs regulations and preventing illicit maritime activities such as smuggling and human trafficking,” Collector Francia said.
“The fuel allocation will support the Philippine Coast Guard District Bicol in intensifying seaborne patrols, disaster response, and maritime law enforcement operations across the Bicol Region,” he added.