ZAMBOANGA CITY (September 29) – Agents from the Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC) apprehended two suspects and confiscated PHP2.7 million in illegal cigarettes off Basilan province early Sunday.
Rear Admiral Constancio Arturo Reyes Jr., WMNC commander, stated that the contraband was intercepted about 1:23 a.m. in the waterways surrounding Hadji Muhtamad town.
Two crew members, both Basilan residents, were arrested with the illegal items.
According to Reyes, sailors aboard BRP-Herminigildo Yurong (PG906) were on a maritime security patrol when they encountered M/B Water Blade. There were 40 master cases of various foreign-brand cigarettes in M/B Water Blade’s possession.
“This apprehension reflects our unwavering determination to defend the country’s seas from smuggling and other unlawful activity. “WMNC will continue to support inter-agency efforts to secure our maritime borders and maintain economic stability,” Reyes stated.
Following a joint inventory with WMNC, the seized items and vessel were turned over to the Bureau of Customs – Port of Zamboanga for appropriate disposition.
Smuggled cigarettes were apprehended on Sunday, three days after sailors from the BRP-Herminigildo Yurong arrested five people and recovered around PHP9.1 million in contraband off Sulu.
