World · Philippines Bureau
Philippine Navy seizes P147 million in contraband fuel and cigarettes
The Naval Command Western Mindanao intercepted smuggled goods in two separate operations across the Zamboanga Peninsula this week. The seizures, valued at over P147 million, included diesel fuel and cigarettes discovered aboard unmarked vessels.
LSN Philippines ·
The Philippine Navy's Naval Command Western Mindanao (NCWM) has seized suspected smuggled cigarettes and diesel fuel worth approximately P147 million following two separate interdiction operations in the Zamboanga Peninsula. Rear Admiral Constancio Arturo Reyes Jr., commander of NCWM, confirmed the seizures occurred over the past several days as part of the command's ongoing anti-smuggling enforcement efforts.
One of the operations resulted in the interception of an unmarked motorboat off Barangay Labuan in Zamboanga City. The vessel and its cargo were apprehended during routine patrols in the strategically important waters of Western Mindanao, a region long plagued by smuggling activities.
The recovered contraband has been turned over to appropriate authorities for further investigation and processing. The NCWM has intensified maritime patrols and interdiction operations to combat illegal smuggling networks operating in the region, which threatens the country's revenue collection and national security.
The operations underscore the Navy's commitment to securing Philippine waters and enforcing customs regulations across the Zamboanga Peninsula.