ZAMBOANGA CITY — Naval forces in Western Mindanao intercepted on Sunday, September 28, around ₱2.7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes off the coast of Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan.
According to the Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC), a seaborne team caught a motorized vessel, identified as M/B Water Blade, carrying assorted Indonesian-brand cigarettes. Two crew members, both residents of Basilan, were taken into custody.
The seized contraband and the vessel were turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Zamboanga City after inventory, while the crew remain under WMNC custody for further investigation.
Rear Admiral Constancio Arturo Reyes Jr., commander of WMNC, lauded his personnel for their vigilance and professionalism during the operation. He emphasized that the Philippine Navy remains steadfast in its mission to curb smuggling, safeguard the country’s maritime borders, and protect economic stability.
“The operation reflects the Navy’s firm resolve to combat smuggling, strengthen maritime patrols, and uphold the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC),” Reyes said.
He also expressed gratitude to the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), led by Brig. Gen. Jaysen De Guzman, and local government officials in Basilan for their support in the anti-smuggling efforts.
Authorities said the cigarettes were bound for distribution to coastal traders in Basilan before they were intercepted.