The Philippine Navy’s Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC) seized alleged contraband and smuggled goods worth more than P56 million in Tawi-Tawi and Sulu.

WMNC said two vessels were intercepted during separate operations late last week.

Confiscated from the first vessel were around 27,000 sacks of rice and 12,828 assorted packs of foodstuff and consumer goods worth nearly P36 million.

The vessel reportedly departed Sandakan, Malaysia and headed to Bongao, Tawi-Tawi when it was intercepted approximately 1.2 nautical miles southeast of Simandagit Point.

The 13 crew members on board were taken into authorities’ custody.

The vessel was escorted to Bongao Port and turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

Meanwhile, WMNC personnel intercepted another vessel carrying around 350 master cases of assorted foreign brand cigarettes worth more than P20 million off Dipolod Island in Tongkil, Sulu.

The cargo was found concealed under canvas covers.

“These foreign-branded cigarettes are classified as contraband, making their importation illegal and placing them under the authority of government agencies to intercept, seize, and prosecute,” WMNC said.

The four crew members on board were also taken into authorities’ custody.

“These back-to-back interdictions underscore WMNC’s unwavering commitment to suppressing smuggling, preventing the entry of contraband, and strengthening the security of the nation’s maritime borders. WMNC continues to intensify maritime patrols and enhance interagency coordination to combat transnational crimes across Western Mindanao,” WMNC said.