By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Personnel from the Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC) have arrested five individuals and seized some PHP9.1 million worth of cigarette contraband in a law enforcement operation off Sulu, an official said Thursday.
Rear Adm. Constancio Arturo Reyes Jr., WMNC commander, said the contraband was apprehended around 9:45 p.m. Wednesday off the coast of Panamao, Sulu.
Reyes did not reveal the identities of the five arrested individuals, only noting that they are residents of Olutanga, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Isabela City, Basilan.
“The sailors aboard BRP-Herminigildo Yurong (PG906) were conducting maritime security patrol when they intercepted a motorboat, MFB Ghazi, in the waters of Panamao town,” Reyes said in his report.
Upon inspection, the motorboat was found to be carrying 160 master cases of undocumented foreign brand cigarettes.
Reyes said the smuggled cigarettes came from Jolo, Sulu, and were bound for Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.
He said the motorboat and contraband were secured by PG906 and taken to Naval Station Romulo Espaldon in Barangay Calarian, Zamboanga City, for documentation, investigation, and proper handover to the Bureau of Customs.
He said the confiscation of smuggled cigarettes highlights the commitment of WMNC to safeguard the Western Mindanao maritime domain against smuggling, piracy, and other illicit activities.
Wednesday night’s confiscation of smuggled cigarettes was the third significant accomplishment of the authorities against smuggling in the Western Mindanao area since Sept. 1.
The largest confiscation took place on Sept. 12, when PHP25 million worth of smuggled cigarettes was seized between the islands of Sacol and Manalipa in this city.
On Sept. 11, two suspects, including a policeman, were arrested at a checkpoint with PHP16.1 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Barangay Divisoria, also in this city. (PNA)
