Major Contraband Haul in Southern Philippines
Naval forces in Western Mindanao have scored a significant victory against smuggling operations, apprehending two vessels loaded with contraband goods valued at over P56.2 million. The successful interdictions were the result of a targeted, two-day maritime patrol across the Sulu Sea conducted from Friday, November 28, until Saturday, November 29.
Operating under Joint Task Force (JTF)-Poseidon, units from the Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC) executed the operations, demonstrating enhanced vigilance in the region's waters.
First Interception: MV Fiyyah Carrying Food Stuffs
The first vessel, identified as the MV Fiyyah, was intercepted at approximately 7:36 p.m. on Friday, November 28. The location was about 1.2 nautical miles southeast of Simandagit Point in Tawi-Tawi.
According to official reports, the vessel was manned by a 13-member crew and was traveling from Malaysia en route to Bongao, the capital of Tawi-Tawi, when it was stopped.
A thorough inspection of the vessel revealed a massive shipment of illicit goods. The seized items included:
- 27,000 sacks of rice
- 12,828 assorted packs of foodstuff and consumer goods
The combined estimated market value of this confiscated cargo was a staggering P35.8 million. Following the apprehension, the MV Fiyyah was escorted to the port of Bongao and formally handed over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC)–Tawi-Tawi for proper disposition and legal proceedings.
Second Apprehension: M/B Nurshaima with Foreign Cigarettes
The naval task force continued its operations the following day, leading to the interception of a second vessel, the M/B Nurshaima, on Saturday, November 29. This vessel was stopped off the coast of Dipolod Island in Tongkil, Sulu.
Authorities discovered that the vessel was transporting 350 master cases of assorted foreign-branded cigarettes. The WMNC confirmed that these cigarettes are classified as contraband, making their importation illegal.
"The illicit cargo was discovered concealed beneath canvas covers," the command noted in its official statement, highlighting the attempts to hide the illegal shipment. The estimated market value of the seized cigarettes was P20.3 million.
The M/B Nurshaima, its multi-million-peso cargo, and its four crewmen were subsequently escorted to Naval Station Romulo Espaldon for further investigation and disposition.
Ongoing Efforts Against Transnational Crime
This twin operation underscores the Philippine Navy's intensified campaign to secure the maritime borders of Western Mindanao. The WMNC has affirmed its commitment to continuing these heightened patrols and improving interagency coordination.
The primary goal is to combat a range of transnational crimes, including smuggling, which threatens the region's economic security and legal trade. These successful interceptions serve as a strong warning to other groups involved in similar illicit activities.
