Jauhn Etienne Villaruel

Article (news)

Michael Delizo

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1771827399398viber_image_2026-02-23_13-15-40-520_cropped_processed_by_imagy.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Western Mindanao Naval Command personnel unload boxes of confiscated smuggled cigarettes. PH Navy via Michael Joe Delizo, ABS-CBN News</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>MANILA — The Philippine Navy on Monday said it has seized over P50 million worth of smuggled cigarettes from twin operations in Western Mindanao over the weekend.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/27/pnp-notes-backdoor-channels-rogue-law-enforcers-in-cigarette-smuggling-1449">PNP notes backdoor channels, rogue law enforcers in cigarette smuggling</a></div><p>Naval operatives on Saturday intercepted M/V Sarhana approximately 1 nautical mile south of Marungas Island, Sulu. Upon inspection, the vessel was found to be transporting 600 master cases of assorted cigarettes from Jolo, Sulu bound for Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte. The total value of the vessel and its cargo is estimated at P34.6 million.</p><p>On the same day, the Navy apprehended MB Fatimah Darsa, also known as MB Madmax-2, near Little Sta. Cruz, Zamboanga City. The vessel was loaded with 336 master cases and 45 reams of smuggled cigarettes, valued at P19.4 million.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/23/pnp-orders-info-drive-vs-smuggled-cigarettes-to-focus-on-sari-sari-stores-1129">PNP orders info drive vs smuggled cigarettes, to focus on sari-sari stores</a></div><p>On top of the recent interdictions, a February 14 operation also intercepted M/B Aafiya Sheza off the waters of Recodo, Zamboanga City. The vessel was found to be carrying 25 master cases of &quot;Bosqu&quot; brand tobacco, valued at P1,532,500.</p><p>All apprehended vessels, crew members, and illegal cargo were escorted to Naval Station Romulo Espaldon for medical check-ups and processing. The items were subsequently turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC)–Port of Zamboanga for proper inventory and final disposition.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/23/routes-from-africa-tagged-red-flag-after-drugs-seized-at-naia-1312">Routes from Africa tagged &#x27;red flag&#x27; after drugs seized at NAIA</a></div><p>The Western Mindanao—with its long, difficult-to-police coastline—has been a hotspot for covert nighttime transport and evasion of authorities, with the Western Mindanao Naval Command assuring that it is working closely as a “credible partner” with the BOC and other law enforcement agencies in ensuring maritime safety and security.</p><p>&quot;These operations underscore our commitment to securing our borders and protecting the nation&#x27;s economy from the detrimental effects of smuggling,&quot; the Command said in a statement.</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong></div><div><br/><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3W9mN54Sxcw?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>The Philippine Navy on Monday said it has seized over P50 million worth of smuggled cigarettes from twin operations in Western Mindanao over the weekend.</p>

The Philippine Navy on Monday said it has seized over P50 million worth of smuggled cigarettes from twin operations in Western Mindanao over the weekend.

Navy seizes over P50-million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Zambo, Sulu

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Nation

Navy seizes over P50-million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Zambo, Sulu

Michael Delizo,

ABS-CBN News

Published Feb 23, 2026 02:19 PM PHT

Read More:

Zamboaga

Suli

smuggling

smuggled cigarettes

Philippine Navy

Bureau of Customs

Western Mindanao

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.