Navy Nets ₱29.2M in Smuggled Goods in Tawi-Tawi and Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY ( October 1)— In a series of high-impact maritime security operations, the Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC) intercepted three vessels transporting a combined ₱29.2 million worth of undocumented goods across the waters of Tawi-Tawi and Sulu from September 24 to 29, 2025.

The operations, conducted under the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC), underscore WMNC’s intensified campaign against smuggling and illicit maritime trade in the region.

₱6.2M Smuggled Goods in Tawi-Tawi

On 29 September 2025, operating units intercepted M/L Fatima Radzna-J after it was observed unloading cargo at Sitangkai Lagoon, Tawi-Tawi. During a Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) inspection, authorities discovered undocumented goods from Tawau, Sabah, North Borneo, worth an estimated ₱6,212,466.

The cargo included 3,000 sacks of rice, 400 bags of sugar, 200 boxes of biscuits, 300 boxes of noodles, 100 cases of bottled water, and other assorted food products. The vessel, manned by 10 crew members, was escorted to Naval Station Romulo Espaldon in Zamboanga City for turnover to concerned agencies.

₱23M Cigarette Haul in Sulu

Also on 29 September, WMNC units seized a motorized banca off the waters of Sulu, transporting an estimated ₱23 million worth of undocumented foreign-brand cigarettes. Hundreds of master cases were confiscated along with the apprehension of the vessel and its five crew members.

The goods were turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) after a joint inventory, with WMNC noting the operation as proof of their resolve to secure Western Mindanao’s seas against organized smuggling operations.

₱10M Cigarettes Intercepted off Panamao, Sulu

On 24 September 2025, BRP Herminigildo Yurong (PG906) intercepted motorized banca MFB Ghazi off Panamao, Sulu. The vessel, crewed by five individuals from Zamboanga Sibugay and Basilan, carried approximately 160 master cases of undocumented foreign-brand cigarettes valued at around ₱10 million.

The vessel and cargo were secured and escorted to Naval Station Romulo Espaldon for documentation and investigation.

A Stronger Maritime Shield

Rear Admiral Constancio Arturo M. Reyes Jr. PN, Commander of WMNC, lauded the series of operations as proof of inter-agency vigilance and professionalism.

Reyes said These successful operations send a strong message to smugglers and lawless elements: our seas are not safe havens for illegal activities. WMNC, together with our inter-agency partners, will continue to protect our maritime domain and ensure lawful commerce thrives,” RADM Reyes emphasized.

Broader Context

The string of operations, netting over ₱29 million worth of contraband in less than a week, highlights the scale of illicit trade in the Sulu Archipelago — a region long vulnerable to smuggling routes from neighboring Sabah.

Authorities say the crackdown reflects not just a tactical win, but a broader commitment to enforcing maritime sovereignty, curbing economic sabotage, and supporting communities often affected by illicit trading networks.

The apprehended vessels and goods are now under investigation and disposition by the Bureau of Customs and other concerned agencies.