Tawi-Tawi — Operating units of the Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC) intercepted a motor vessel carrying a large volume of undocumented cargo off Lahangan Island, Tawi-Tawi, officials confirmed Thursday.
The vessel, identified as M/V Haiban, was bound for Jolo, Sulu with 12 crew members on board when it was stopped by naval forces. Upon inspection, authorities discovered thousands of sacks and cases of various goods without the necessary documentation.
Among the seized items were 10,000 sacks of rice, 4,722 bags of sugar, 80 pieces of water tanks, 1,500 boxes of noodles, and 150 cases of bottled water.
The naval command said the intercepted goods and the vessel have been turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for proper investigation and disposition.
Authorities have yet to release further details on the origin of the cargo, but the operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb smuggling and ensure compliance with customs regulations in the southern maritime borders.
The WMNC stressed that maritime patrols will continue to safeguard Philippine waters against illegal activities.