Navy seizes ₱374M worth of smuggled cigarettes in Basilan, Sulu apprehensions

ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews / 10 December) — The Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC) seized smuggled cigarettes almost ₱374 million worth in separate apprehensions last week in the waters of Basilan and Sulu.

Smuggled cigarettes seized by the Western Mindanao Naval Command. WMNC photo

Lt. Commander Chester Ross Cabaltera, WMNC spokesman, told MindaNews that the interdiction of two motor launches resulted in the seizure of almost 6,000 master cases of undocumented foreign-brand cigarettes in a combined estimated market value of almost ₱373.6 million.

Cabaltera said the operations were conducted by naval units operating under Joint Task Force Poseidon during intensified Maritime Patrols (MARPAT).

He said the that the apprehension of M/L Adilyn on December 4 at Sibago Island in Basilan by Naval Task Force 61 led to the confiscation of 3,803 master cases of Cannon cigarettes and 18 master cases of New Orleans cigarettes. The motor launch included, total market value of the confiscated items is estimated at ₱220,943,300.

Another interdiction operation on another launch on December 5approximately 3.6 nautical miles southwest of Teomabal Island in Sulu netted authorities ₱152,699,000 worth of undocumented cigarettes. Cabaltera said confiscated from M/L ASB Express were 1,686 master cases of New Mega Brand cigarettes and 944 master cases of Cannon cigarettes

With these latest apprehensions, the total accumulated seizures to date have reached a Running Estimated Market Value (REMV) of ₱681,485,467.75, with a total of 22 apprehensions and 22 completed turnovers, covering the period from 25 August to 05 December 2025.

“These cumulative figures reflect WMNC’s sustained and effective maritime interdiction efforts across the Western Mindanao maritime domain,” the Navy spokesman said. (Frencie L. Carreon, MindaNews)