Authorities have confiscated more than P65 million worth of smuggled goods, including rice, sugar, and illicit cigarettes, in two separate operations conducted in Sulu and Mandaue City.
The Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC) reported on Sunday that Naval Task Force 61 intercepted three vessels carrying undocumented cargo in the waters off Sulu during intensified maritime operations spanning December 2025 into January 2026.
The total value of the Sulu seizures is estimated at P60 million.
Among the intercepted vessels was the M/V Eshan, discovered near Candea Point carrying 25,028 sacks of rice and 2,127 sacks of refined sugar, along with assorted food items.
The cargo and the vessel were valued at approximately P45.4 million.
Additionally, navy assets intercepted the M/B Alnadzrim near Indanan, yielding 340 cases of undocumented cigarettes worth P15.9 million.
A third unnamed motorized banca was also seized nearby, carrying P2.58 million worth of tobacco products.
All items have been turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Port of Zamboanga.
In a separate operation in Cebu province, the Mandaue City Police Office seized P5.2 million worth of smuggled cigarettes on Friday afternoon.
Following a “buy-bust” sting in Barangay Looc, police arrested a 52-year-old resident identified as “Hamed,” a native of Zamboanga City.
Operatives recovered 2,031 reams of smuggled cigarette brands, including Alpha, King Bravo, and Famous.
Mandaue City Police spokesperson Lt. Col. Mercy Villaro stated that the operation resulted from inter-agency collaboration to track the distribution of illicit goods.
The suspect is currently in custody and faces charges for violating the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.