Authorities arrested 14 people and seized alleged smuggled cigarettes worth more than P113 million in separate maritime operations in Basilan and Sulu.
Personnel of the Philippine Navy intercepted a boat loaded with around 473 master cases of cigarettes worth more than P70.9 million near Sibago Island in Hadji Mohammad Ajul, Basilan.
During the operation, five crew members were arrested.
In Sulu, around 282 master cases of alleged smuggled cigarettes worth more than P42 million were confiscated from two boats off Tongguil Island.
At least nine crew members were arrested.
According to the Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC), the arrested individuals will be charged with violation of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act (RA 12022).
Meanwhile, the confiscated items were turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Zamboanga City.
