By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Nearly P100 million worth of suspected smuggled and illegally transported goods were seized by the Naval Command Western Mindanao (NCWM) in a series of maritime enforcement operations in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, conducted between August 28 and September 3.
The seizures included undocumented diesel fuel valued at P72.17 million, foreign-brand cigarettes and a motor vessel with a combined value of P27.23 million, and illegally transported Lauan lumber worth P251,999.
The total value of the confiscated goods reached approximately P99.65 million.
NCWM Commander Rear Admiral Constancio Arturo Reyes Jr. said the seizures resulted from intensified maritime patrols and close coordination between naval units and government agencies tasked with enforcing the law at sea.
Reyes said the operations demonstrated the command’s continuing efforts to prevent Philippine waters in Western Mindanao from being exploited for smuggling and other unlawful activities.
“These operations reflect NCWM’s sustained commitment to securing the maritime domain of Western Mindanao and preventing its use for smuggling and other illegal activities,” Reyes said.
The seized items were turned over to the Bureau of Customs–Port of Zamboanga and other appropriate government agencies for proper disposition and further action in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
The NCWM said its maritime security and law-enforcement operations would continue across Western Mindanao as authorities step up efforts against smuggling and the illegal movement of goods through the region’s waters.
ia/xf
