14 arrested for oil smuggling in Navotas City

MANILA, Philippines — At least 14 men were apprehended after they allegedly tried to smuggle crude oil in Navotas City on Saturday.

Members of the Northern Police District Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard intercepted the suspects on two boats before they could dock along Manila Bay, according to Senior Inspector Jason Quijana.

Quijana said boat captain Luis Olesco was not able to present proper documents during inspection.

Authorities said they recovered an estimated 35,000 liters of crude oil worth P1 million.

Olesco said they were paid P500 per trip to transport the oil.

The suspects are being held by police on charges of violating Republic Act 8749 or the Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998.