By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Philippine Navy has seized suspected smuggled cigarettes and undocumented diesel fuel worth a combined P147.29 million in two separate maritime operations in the Zamboanga Peninsula and nearby waters, underscoring an intensified campaign against illicit trade in Western Mindanao.
Rear Admiral Constancio Arturo Reyes Jr., commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM), said naval personnel intercepted an unmarked motorboat off Barangay Labuan in Zamboanga City on Aug. 22.
The vessel was carrying undocumented diesel fuel, with the boat and its suspected contraband cargo placed at an estimated value of P52.27 million, Reyes said.
Two days later, on Aug. 24, naval operatives intercepted M/B Jiboy off Pangasinan Island in Sulu, where they discovered a substantial shipment of foreign-brand cigarettes.
Authorities recovered 611 master cases and 37 reams of cigarettes. The vessel and its cargo were estimated to be worth P95.01 million.
The two operations brought the total value of the seized vessels and suspected contraband to P147.29 million.
All confiscated items were subsequently turned over to the Bureau of Customs–Port of Zamboanga for proper legal disposition.
Reyes said the naval command would continue strengthening maritime security operations aimed at disrupting smuggling networks and preventing Western Mindanao’s waters from being exploited as routes for illicit commerce.
The back-to-back interceptions also demonstrated the Navy’s continuing efforts to tighten maritime enforcement in the region, particularly against the movement of untaxed or undocumented goods through coastal and island routes.
The seizures come as authorities maintain heightened vigilance over Western Mindanao’s extensive maritime domain, where its strategic location and numerous sea lanes have long made the area vulnerable to various forms of illicit trade.
The Navy said its sustained operations are intended not only to intercept contraband but also to protect legitimate businesses and ensure compliance with existing maritime and customs laws.
ia/xf
