ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities seized more than ₱41 million worth of undocumented foreign-brand cigarettes in separate maritime operations off Basilan and Zamboanga City on Sunday, November 2, in what officials described as part of their continuing campaign against smuggling in Western Mindanao waters.
Rear Admiral Constancio Arturo Reyes Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC), said Naval Task Force 61 intercepted a motorboat near Amoyloi Reefs off Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan, while conducting routine maritime security patrols.
The vessel, reportedly traveling from Sulu to Zamboanga City, was found carrying 484 master cases, 32 reams, and 129 packs of Bravo Red cigarettes, with an estimated market value of ₱27.78 million.
“When our boarding team asked for importation documents, the crew failed to produce any,” Reyes said in a statement.
The seized cargo was brought to Naval Station Romulo Espaldon in Zamboanga City for inventory and turnover to the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
“This interception underscores our continued commitment to protecting our maritime borders and combating illegal smuggling activities,” Reyes added.
In a separate operation on the same day, operatives from the Philippine National Police Maritime Group intercepted another motorized boat near Manalipa Island, off Zamboanga City.
Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9) chief Brigadier General Eleazar Matta said the vessel carried 210 master cases of smuggled cigarettes valued at ₱14 million.
The inventory included 118 master cases of Cannon, 33 of Modern, 45 of Green Hill, and 14 of Astro brands.
Six male crew members from Jolo and Hji. Panglima Tahil, Sulu, were arrested after failing to present legal documents for their cargo.
The seized cigarettes remain under police custody while the suspects are detained at Zamboanga City Police Station 4 pending inquest proceedings. The motorized boat will be turned over to the local BOC office for proper disposition.
“We will remain steadfast and vigilant to ensure that law enforcement presence is felt across all entry points,” Matta said. “Our priority is to protect the public interest, uphold the law, and maintain security across our maritime domain.” (with reports from Nonoy Lacson/ edited by amm)
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