The Philippine Navy seized alleged smuggled cigarettes worth nearly P700 million in Western Mindanao from August 25 to December 5, 2025.

During the first week of December alone, personnel of the Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC) intercepted two vessels and confiscated almost 6,000 master cases of undocumented foreign brand cigarettes worth more than P372 million.

The first vessel was apprehended on December 4 approximately 56 nautical miles southeast of Sibago Island, Basilan.

Authorities discovered more than 3,800 master cases of cigarettes with an estimated value of nearly P221 million, including the vessel.

Naval forces launched maritime patrols after receiving information about possible intrusion.

The vessel and the seized items were then turned over to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Zamboanga City.

The next day, another suspicious vessel was caught transiting within Sulu waters around 3.6 nautical miles southwest of Teomabal Island.

Based on investigation, the vessel was found to be transporting around 2,630 master cases of undocumented foreign brand cigarettes worth more than P152.6 million, including the vessel.

“With these latest apprehensions, the total accumulated seizures to date have reached a Running Estimated Market Value (REMV) of P681,485,467.75, with a total of 22 apprehensions and 22 completed turnovers, covering the period from 25 August to 05 December 2025,” WMNC said.