ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities intercepted 30 bales of suspected smuggled used clothing, locally known as ukay-ukay, during a joint anti-smuggling operation at the Port of Zamboanga on the evening of August 10, 2026, according to the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM).
The interception was carried out at approximately 9:30 p.m. by personnel of Coast Guard Station Zamboanga and the Maritime Security Law Enforcement Group–Southwestern Mindanao (MARSLEG-SWM), in coordination with several units of the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
The shipment was reportedly bound for Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, when it was intercepted during the joint maritime and customs enforcement operation.
The operation involved the BOC–Port of Zamboanga, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), and the Enforcement and Security Services (ESS)–Customs Police Division.
Following the interception, the 30 bales of suspected used clothing were turned over to the BOC–Port of Zamboanga for proper inventory, documentation, and verification of their ownership and origin.
Authorities did not immediately disclose the estimated value of the seized shipment or identify the individuals or entities allegedly responsible for transporting the goods.
The seizure is expected to undergo further examination by customs authorities to determine whether the shipment violated existing importation and customs regulations.
Proceedings will be undertaken under Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), Republic Act No. 4653, and other applicable customs laws and regulations.
Republic Act No. 4653 specifically regulates the importation of used clothing and rags, while the CMTA provides the legal framework for customs administration, enforcement, and the regulation of imported goods.
The latest interdiction highlights the continuing role of maritime law enforcement agencies in monitoring the movement of potentially unauthorized goods through ports in Southwestern Mindanao, particularly through coordinated operations involving the Philippine Coast Guard and customs authorities.
The CGDSWM said the operation underscores the Philippine Coast Guard’s commitment to strengthening inter-agency coordination and enforcing maritime and customs laws across Region IX.
The operation was also conducted under the Coast Guard’s Intensified Community Assistance, Awareness, Response, and Enforcement (iCARE) campaign, which includes efforts to enhance maritime security, law enforcement, and coordination with partner government agencies.
The seized items will remain under the custody of the BOC–Port of Zamboanga while the necessary inventory, verification, and legal proceedings are undertaken.
Authorities are expected to determine through the ongoing customs process whether the shipment was lawfully imported and who should be held accountable for any violations established by the investigation.
As the case develops, the Coast Guard and the Bureau of Customs are expected to continue coordinating on enforcement and investigation measures concerning the intercepted shipment.