Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur — Authorities intercepted a motorized boat carrying suspected smuggled cigarettes during a pre-dawn seaborne patrol in the waters off Yllana Bay, Barangay White Beach, here on January 17, 2026, reinforcing heightened maritime security ahead of the Araw ng Pasalamat Festival.
Personnel of the PNP Maritime Group, through the Zamboanga del Sur Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA), were conducting routine patrol operations aboard patrol craft R9-TWH-06 at around 4:45 a.m. when they spotted a motorized pump boat behaving suspiciously.
Police said the vessel—later identified as HABIBAH—attempted to flee upon verification. Its occupants abandoned the boat and escaped toward the shoreline despite a hot pursuit and area search.
A subsequent inspection revealed five master cases of assorted cigarettes without the required graphic health warnings, a violation of the Graphic Health Warnings Law (RA 10643). Seized items included:
- One motorized pump boat with outrigger, powered by a SUMO RATO 18HP engine with an erased engine number, valued at approximately ₱35,000; and
- Five master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes estimated at ₱286,500, based on standard pricing of the Bureau of Customs.
The total value of the confiscated evidence reached about ₱321,500. All items were turned over to the Zamboanga del Sur MARPSTA for documentation, proper disposition, and verification by the National Tobacco Administration.
Police officials said the operation underscores the Maritime Group’s intensified campaign against smuggling and other illegal maritime activities, particularly during major public events. They stressed that patrols will continue day and night to secure the country’s coastal areas.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to the PNP’s advocacy, “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman,” emphasizing that maritime security remains a cornerstone of national security.
The interception took place within the waters of Yllana Bay, off Pagadian City, highlighting ongoing enforcement efforts across Zamboanga del Sur to curb illicit trade at sea.