The Philippine Navy’s Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC) intercepted two vessels carrying an estimated ₱56 million worth of smuggled goods in separate maritime operations in Tawi-Tawi and Sulu on November 28–29.
The operations, conducted by units under Joint Task Force Poseidon through intensified maritime patrols and intelligence-driven missions, resulted in the apprehension of MV Fiyyah in Tawi-Tawi and M/B Nurshaima in Sulu.
At around 7:36 p.m. on November 28, a Navy patrol ship intercepted MV Fiyyah about 1.2 nautical miles southeast of Simandagit Point, Tawi-Tawi.
The vessel reportedly departed Sandakan, Malaysia, and was en route to Bongao.
The Navy discovered 27,000 sacks of rice and 12,828 assorted packs of food and consumer goods. The haul was valued at ₱35.8 million.
The vessel was escorted to Bongao Port and turned over to the Bureau of Customs–Tawi-Tawi for legal action.
The following day, naval operatives intercepted M/B Nurshaima off Dipolod Island in Tongkil, Sulu.
The vessel carried 350 master cases of assorted foreign-brand cigarettes worth an estimated ₱20.3 million.
Authorities said the contraband cigarettes were concealed beneath canvas covers.
The four crew members were read their Miranda Rights, placed under custody, and transported—along with the vessel and seized cargo—to Naval Station Romulo Espaldon in Zamboanga City.
The shipment was formally turned over to the National Bureau of Investigation–WEMRO9, with assistance from the Public Attorney’s Office, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s Seaport Interdiction Unit, and other supporting agencies.
“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,” the Navy said.
