The Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC), through the Naval Task Force-61 and its operating units, intercepted smuggled foreign brand cigarettes valued at approximately P93.89 million during two separate maritime interdiction operations in the Sulu waters on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The WMNC disclosed the details on Saturday, June 20.
In the first operation, Navy personnel intercepted the motor boat M/B Aslinda, manned by a five-man crew, southeast of Cabucan Island in Hadji Panglima Tahil, Sulu. The vessel, skippered by a certain alias Hajil, was found carrying 305 master cases of undocumented foreign-brand cigarettes with an estimated value of P47.5 million. The WMNC stated that the crew failed to present the required cargo and vessel documents, leading to the apprehension of both the vessel and its crew.
In a separate operation also on June 18, naval forces intercepted M/V Babyboy, which had six male and one female crew members, southwest of Marungas Island in Jolo, Sulu. A Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operation uncovered approximately 300 master cases of undocumented foreign cigarettes concealed beneath other cargo, valued at an estimated P46.3 million.
Both vessels and their crew members were apprehended and escorted to Naval Station Romulo Espaldon, which houses the WMNC headquarters in Calarian village, Zamboanga City. The WMNC confirmed that all seized vessels, cargo, and crew were turned over to the Bureau of Customs-Port of Zamboanga for appropriate legal action and disposition in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
The WMNC emphasized that these operations are part of its ongoing efforts to prevent maritime smuggling and other illegal activities within its area of responsibility, as well as to support the enforcement of customs and maritime laws in the southern maritime borders.
