Authorities arrested five people and seized alleged smuggled cigarettes worth around P23 million in Sulu on Monday, September 29, 2025.

Personnel of the Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC) intercepted a motorized banca loaded with hundreds of master cases of assorted foreign-brand cigarettes during an operation in the waters of Sulu.

The items seized items were turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for investigation.

“This successful operation is another clear message to smugglers and lawless elements that our seas are not safe havens for illegal activities. WMNC, together with our inter-agency partners, remains steadfast in protecting our maritime domain and our communities,” WMNC Commander, Rear Admiral Constancio Arturo Reyes Jr., said.

WMNC added that it continues to strengthen its maritime security operations and inter-agency collaboration to ensure that the seas in Western Mindanao remain safe, secure, and sovereign.