PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — A joint anti-smuggling operation led by the 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion of the Philippine Army resulted in the confiscation of alleged smuggled cigarettes worth more than ₱105.9 million and the seizure of several vehicles and watercraft believed to have been used in the illegal trade during simultaneous operations in Zamboanga del Sur on Monday, June 29.
The operation, carried out by the 53rd Infantry Battalion under the 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, highlighted the military’s continuing support for law enforcement agencies in curbing illegal economic activities and protecting the country’s borders from smuggling operations.
The coordinated operations were conducted in Barangay White Beach in Pagadian City and Barangay Punta Flecha in the municipality of Pitogo in close coordination with the Pitogo Municipal Police Station, Pagadian City Police Station, the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Region IX.
Authorities reported that the joint operation yielded a significant volume of alleged smuggled cigarettes with a combined estimated market value exceeding ₱105.9 million, dealing a substantial blow to illegal cigarette trafficking in the region.
In Barangay White Beach, government operatives recovered 611 boxes of assorted cigarettes, consisting of 382 boxes of Berlin brand cigarettes and 229 boxes of Fort brand cigarettes.
In addition to the contraband, authorities also seized several assets believed to have been utilized in the smuggling operation. These included a Forward Wing-Van Truck bearing Plate No. GLV 595, one motorized pump boat, and five indigenous boats, locally known as bote-bote, which were allegedly used to transport the illegal goods through coastal waters.
Meanwhile, troops conducting simultaneous operations in Barangay Punta Flecha successfully intercepted and recovered an additional 60 master cases of assorted cigarettes, further increasing the volume of seized contraband.
Following the operation, all confiscated cigarettes and recovered assets were immediately turned over to the Bureau of Customs Region IX in Pagadian City for proper documentation, inventory, and the filing of appropriate legal cases in accordance with existing customs laws and regulations.
Officials said the operation underscored the importance of sustained inter-agency collaboration in combating smuggling, which not only deprives the government of billions of pesos in tax revenues but also poses serious threats to the country’s economic security and legitimate businesses.
The successful enforcement action also demonstrated the government’s intensified efforts to secure the coastal areas of Zamboanga del Sur, which have long been vulnerable to the illegal entry and transport of contraband goods.
The 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion reaffirmed its commitment to supporting law enforcement initiatives aimed at suppressing illegal economic activities and protecting communities from criminal operations.
The battalion emphasized that through continued vigilance, strengthened coordination with partner agencies, and active community participation, it remains dedicated to preserving peace and order, enforcing the rule of law, and helping build safer, more secure, and economically resilient coastal communities across Zamboanga del Sur.