ZAMBOANGA CITY — A late-night maritime patrol off Sta. Cruz Island has led to the seizure of smuggled cigarettes worth more than ₱16 million and the arrest of two suspects, reinforcing the government’s intensified campaign against illegal trade in the country’s coastal corridors.
The operation, carried out by the Philippine National Police (PNP), underscored the agency’s continuing efforts to safeguard government revenues and disrupt smuggling networks operating in Mindanao’s western seaboard.
At around 11:10 p.m. on February 16, 2026, joint operatives from the 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company, Regional Maritime Unit 9, Regional Intelligence Division 9, 904th Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9, and Zamboanga City Police Station 11 were conducting a routine seaborne patrol in the territorial waters off Sta. Cruz Island in Zamboanga City.
During the operation, authorities intercepted a green-and-white motorized boat marked “Chevrolet,” which was manned by two Filipino male crew members. A subsequent inspection revealed large quantities of suspected smuggled cigarettes onboard.
In the same vicinity, operatives also discovered another motorized vessel painted blue and yellow and marked “Totoh Aice,” which had been abandoned by its crew. The second boat was likewise loaded with contraband.
A total of 280 master cases of alleged smuggled cigarettes were recovered, with an estimated market value of ₱16,044,000.
The seized goods and the two vessels were immediately turned over to the Bureau of Customs, Port of Zamboanga, for proper disposition. Meanwhile, the two arrested suspects were brought to Zamboanga City Police Station 11 for investigation, documentation, and the filing of appropriate charges.
Firm Warning from PNP Leadership
PNP Chief Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. stressed that smuggling poses a serious threat to the country’s economy and public welfare.
“Smuggling undermines our economy and deprives the government of rightful revenues. We will continue to strengthen our maritime patrols and law enforcement operations to stop these illegal activities at sea. Hindi kami titigil sa pagbabantay sa ating karagatan laban sa mga sindikatong umaabuso sa batas,” Nartatez said.
He added that the PNP remains committed to holding all offenders accountable.
“Let this serve as a warning—our waters are not safe passage for contraband. The PNP will pursue all individuals involved in illegal trade and ensure that they face the full force of the law. Ang sinumang lalabag ay mananagot. Patuloy kaming kikilos para protektahan ang interes ng ating bayan,” he emphasized.
Part of PNP’s Reform and Enforcement Agenda
Police officials said the successful operation reflects the PNP’s Focused Agenda, a strategic framework aimed at transforming the organization into a more responsive, professional, and mission-driven institution.
Under this agenda, Enhanced Managing Police Operations remains a key priority, particularly in strengthening maritime patrols, intelligence sharing, and coordinated interdiction efforts against smuggling syndicates exploiting vulnerable coastal routes.
Authorities noted that western Mindanao remains a critical transit point for illegal goods due to its proximity to international maritime routes, making sustained patrols and inter-agency cooperation essential.
Strengthening Border and Maritime Security
The interception off Sta. Cruz Island also highlights the government’s broader push to combat economic sabotage and transnational crime under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr..
With intensified border security and maritime enforcement, the PNP assured the public that it will continue to pursue smugglers and dismantle illicit trade networks, in line with its commitment to “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman.”
Police officials urged the public, particularly coastal communities and fisherfolk, to remain vigilant and report suspicious maritime activities, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in protecting the country’s waters from criminal exploitation.