ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Naval Command Western Mindanao (NCWM) has intercepted two separate maritime smuggling operations in waters off Zamboanga City and Sulu, resulting in the seizure of an estimated ₱147.29 million worth of smuggled diesel fuel, foreign-brand cigarettes, and vessels used to transport the alleged contraband.
The successive operations, conducted on August 22 and 24, 2026, underscore the continuing efforts of maritime authorities to prevent Western Mindanao waters from being used as transit routes for illegal trade.
The NCWM, under the leadership of Rear Admiral Constancio Arturo M. Reyes Jr. PN, said its forces intercepted the shipments during separate maritime security operations in its area of responsibility.
₱52.27-MILLION DIESEL SEIZURE OFF ZAMBOANGA CITY
The first operation was carried out on August 22 off Barangay Labuan, Zamboanga City, where NCWM personnel intercepted an unmarked motorboat reportedly transporting undocumented diesel fuel.
Authorities placed the combined value of the seized fuel and the intercepted vessel at approximately ₱52.27 million.
The interception prevented the undocumented fuel shipment from reaching its intended destination and potentially entering the local market outside established customs and regulatory procedures.
The NCWM did not immediately disclose the identities of those behind the shipment or provide further details regarding the circumstances of the interception.
₱95-MILLION CIGARETTE SHIPMENT INTERCEPTED IN SULU
Two days later, on August 24, NCWM personnel conducted another interception off Pangasinan Island, Sulu, targeting a vessel allegedly involved in the transportation of undeclared foreign-brand cigarettes.
The vessel, identified as M/B JIBOY, was found carrying 611 master cases and 37 reams of undeclared foreign-brand cigarettes.
The cigarettes and vessel were estimated to be worth approximately ₱95.01 million.
Combined with the earlier diesel seizure in Zamboanga City, the two operations resulted in a total estimated seizure value of ₱147.29 million.
The operations represent a significant blow to suspected maritime smuggling activities in Western Mindanao, where coastal and island routes can be exploited for the movement of untaxed or undocumented commodities.
CONTRABAND TURNED OVER TO CUSTOMS
Following the interceptions, all seized items were turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Zamboanga for proper legal disposition and the conduct of appropriate proceedings.
The turnover places the seized commodities under the custody of the customs authorities for further examination, documentation and determination of the applicable violations and penalties.
The NCWM said the operations form part of its continuing maritime security and law-enforcement efforts aimed at disrupting illicit trade and protecting legitimate commerce.
Rear Admiral Reyes emphasized that the naval command would sustain intensified maritime patrols and security operations against smuggling networks operating in Western Mindanao waters.
“These successive interceptions demonstrate our resolve to enforce maritime laws, protect legitimate commerce, and secure our waters against all forms of illicit activity. No smuggling operation will be tolerated in our area of responsibility.”
The NCWM said its continuing operations are also intended to safeguard government revenue and prevent illegal shipments from undermining legitimate businesses that comply with customs, taxation and other regulatory requirements.
The two interceptions highlight the strategic importance of maritime enforcement in Western Mindanao, where authorities continue to monitor sea routes frequently used for the movement of goods between coastal communities and island areas.
With the latest seizures, the NCWM reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining maritime security and strengthening coordination with other government agencies in the campaign against smuggling and other forms of illicit activity at sea.