BASILAN/Tawi-Tawi — In two separate operations on December 5 and 7, 2025, the Regional Maritime Unit–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (RMU BAR) successfully intercepted and confiscated suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at over PhP1.6 million in Basilan and Tawi-Tawi. The operations are part of intensified efforts to curb cigarette smuggling and other illicit activities within the region’s maritime jurisdiction.
Basilan Operation
On December 5, around 3:00 PM, the Basilan Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA) received a tip from a confidential Coastal Barangay Information Network (CBIN) about ongoing shipments of suspected smuggled assorted cigarettes aboard a motor pumpboat (Jungkong type) traveling from Tongkil Island to Maluso, Basilan.
At approximately 10:00 PM, authorities successfully intercepted an unmarked motor pumpboat covered with a black tarp. The boat’s occupants fled to the shores of Taikila Island, leaving the vessel behind. Upon inspection, operatives recovered various suspected smuggled cigarettes worth an estimated PhP709,140, including 399 rims of GIFT, 100 rims of Y5, 50 rims of ASTRO, 44 rims of Bravo, and 43 rims of VX.
Additional items seized included the motor pumpboat with an estimated engine value of PhP70,000, a flashlight, a pair of Crocs sandals, and a brown jacket. The boat and contraband are currently in the custody of Basilan MARPSTA, while follow-up operations continue to identify and apprehend the owner or shipper before turning the items over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC)–Isabela City.
Tawi-Tawi Operation
On December 7, around 9:45 PM, a joint mobile patrol comprising the Tawi-Tawi Maritime Police Station and other government agencies, in coordination with BOC Sub-Port Bongao, conducted a raid at Gabbang-Gabbang Mini Port, Chinese Pier, Brgy. Poblacion, Bongao. Acting on intelligence regarding the transport and potential unloading of smuggled cigarettes, operatives discovered 18 master cases, or 900 reams, of abandoned cigarettes with no one claiming ownership.
The confiscated goods, valued at approximately PhP1,031,400, consisted of 13 master cases of Astro Red (650 reams), two master cases of Berlin Red (100 reams), two master cases of Premium Gold (100 reams), and one master case of Sakura White (50 reams). The contraband was immediately turned over to BOC Sub-Port Bongao for proper documentation and disposition.
Ongoing Maritime Enforcement
These consecutive operations highlight RMU BAR’s relentless focus on preventing cigarette smuggling in Basilan and Tawi-Tawi. The PNP-Maritime Group remains committed to aggressive, intelligence-driven operations aimed at curbing illegal trade, protecting the local economy, and ensuring the security of the region’s maritime areas.