Navy seizes P147-M ‘smuggled’ fuel, cigarettes in Zamboanga Peninsula

PAGADIAN CITY – The Philippine Navy’ Naval Command Western Mindanao (NCWM) seized suspected smuggled cigarettes and diesel fuel worth at least P147 million in the Zamboanga Peninsula in two separate operations the past few days.

Rear Admiral Constancio Arturo Reyes Jr., NCWM commander, confirmed Thursday they intercepted an unmarked motorboat off Barangay Labuan, Zamboanga City last Saturday, Aug. 22.

The vessel was found carrying undocumented diesel fuel, with the contraband and boat valued at P52.27 million, he said.

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Two days later, on August 24, NCWM operatives intercepted M/B Jiboy off Pangasinan Island, Sulu.

Authorities discovered 611 master cases and 37 reams of foreign-brand cigarettes, with the vessel and cargo estimated at P95.01 million.

The combined seizures amounted to P147.29 million worth of alleged illicit fuel, cigarettes, and vessels.

All confiscated items were turned over to the Bureau of Customs–Port of Zamboanga for legal disposition.

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Reyes said NCWM will sustain maritime security operations to disrupt smuggling networks and prevent Western Mindanao waters from being used for illicit trade.

The successive interceptions highlight NCWM’s intensified campaign against contraband, underscoring its resolve to protect legitimate commerce and enforce maritime laws across Western Mindanao, he added. INQ /mr