The Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC) has seized more than ₱174 million worth of illicit foreign-brand cigarettes following a series of maritime interdiction and intelligence-driven operations conducted from November 13 to 17, 2025, in the waters off Sulu.
According to its report, Naval patrol units intercepted five motorized watercraft engaged in the transport of undocumented cigarettes across the municipalities of Tapul, Banguingui, Lugus, and Jolo.
The operations led to the apprehension of 35 crew members and the confiscation of over 2,874 master cases of smuggled cigarettes.
The following are the seized items:
- M/B RADZBOY – 500 master cases; ₱29,000,000
- M/B ARRIANE – 300 master cases; ₱17,340,000
- M/L DAKILA – 1,095 master cases and 47 reams; ₱64,297,362
- M/B MURAMURAHAN – 398 master cases and 47 reams; ₱37,391,562
- F/B PRINCESS WANIA – 401 master cases; ₱23,327,300
- M/B YATHRIB – 180 master cases and 59 reams; ₱9,826,314
The total amounts to an estimated ₱174,277,366 in market value.
"The successful interdiction of these smuggling vessels — and the seizure of their high-value illicit cargo — demonstrates WMNC’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country’s maritime borders, enforcing maritime laws, and countering illicit activities within the Western Mindanao area of operations," the WMNC said in a statement.
Authorities reported that all intercepted boats and their cargo were escorted to Naval Station Romulo Espaldon (NSRE) for proper inventory and were subsequently turned over to the Bureau of Customs–Port of Zamboanga for legal disposition.
