ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC) intercepted two motorized vessels loaded with undocumented goods in separate maritime operations off Basilan and Tawi-Tawi, reinforcing the military’s intensified campaign against smuggling in Western Mindanao.
According to WMNC reports, the first vessel, M/B Sarhana, was intercepted on October 12, 2025, in the waters between Lamitan and Tuburan, Basilan. Naval personnel discovered 100 master cases of imported cigarettes onboard, all without proper documentation.
In a separate operation off Taja Island, Pearl Bank, Languyan, Tawi-Tawi, authorities also seized the M/B Har-Jhasmier, a Kering-Kering type motor banca, which was carrying 50 drums of petroleum, six LPG tanks, and assorted goods—none of which had valid shipping papers.
Both vessels, along with their crew and cargo, were towed to Naval Station Romulo Espaldon in Bagong Calarian, Zamboanga City for documentation and turnover to concerned government agencies for proper disposition.
The Navy emphasized that these operations form part of its continuous maritime law enforcement efforts to curb the transport of contraband and protect legitimate trade routes in the region.
Authorities are now conducting further investigation to determine the origin and intended destination of the seized goods, as well as to identify possible networks behind the smuggling activities.