2 vessels held for P1.1 million oil theft

MANILA, Philippines —  The crew of two vessels were arrested in the waters of Manila Bay off Navotas yesterday for allegedly pilfering P1.1 million worth of fuel.

Capt. Armand Balilo, Philippine Coast Guard spokesman, said the PCG, Philippine Navy and Philippine National Police detained the 14 crewmen of M/V Island Brother 2 and M/V Island Brother 3.

Island Brother 2 was found to be carrying 50 drums of fuel with an estimated value of P300,000 while the second vessel carried 375 drums of fuel worth P795,000.

The ships were taken to the PCG headquarters at Pier 13 in Manila while the crewmen were brought to the Northern Police District for questioning.

The PCG is considering filing charges of theft against the crewmen, Balilo said.