Vessel allegedly carrying smuggled Malaysian goods intercepted in Sulu

October 29, 2019

Government forces intercepted a vessel allegedly carrying smuggled goods from Malaysia on Sunday afternoon.

Maj. Arvin Encinas, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command, spokesman said the vessel loaded with around 10,000 cases of assorted smuggled tobacco products was intercepted in the waters east of Tara Island, Siasi, Sulu.

According to Rear Adm. Erick Kagaoan, commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao, the Naval Task Group-Sulu was able to intercept Motor Launch (M/L) 3 Brothers which smuggled tobacco products through intelligence efforts.

"To confirm the veracity of the information, our men asked for legal documents/permits of said shipments but the crew were not able to present such requirements,” Kagaoan said.

Encinas said the vessel, manned with 10 male crew members, also has  approximately 200 sacks of ammonium nitrate with an estimated market value of P150, 000,000.

He said the intercepted vessel and the confiscated items are temporarily placed under the custody of Naval Forces Western Mindanao at Ensign Majini Pier, Naval Station Romulo Espaldon, Bagong Calarian in Zamboanga City for proper documentation and disposition. Robina Asido/DMS