The Philippine Navy (PN) on Sunday announced that one of its patrol gunboats, the BRP Jose Loor Sr. (PC-390), had successfully intercepted and seized a motor launch carrying some PHP64 million of undocumented tobacco products during operations in the waters of Tawi-Tawi province last March 9.
Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) acting public affairs office chief, Lt. Chester Ross Cabaltera, said in a statement that BRP Jose Loor Sr. was conducting a “maritime security patrol, maritime law enforcement operation, external defense operation, and sovereign patrol” when it chanced upon the M/L Yasmen in the vicinity of Manuk Mangkaw Island, Simunul town, Tawi-Tawi.
Navy personnel immediately boarded the motor launch, where they discovered that it was carrying illicit tobacco products worth $64 million.
“Upon inspection, it was revealed that M/L Yasmen was laden with a cache of undocumented tobacco goods. The estimated market value of these confiscated goods stands at an astonishing PHP64 million,” Cabaltera said.
He said the seized goods were duly turned over to the Bureau of Customs Sub-Port Bongao Station for proper disposition and further investigation.
Meanwhile, NFWM commander, Rear Admiral Anthony Miraflor, said this operation highlights their commitment to protecting the country’s waters.
“We remain resolute in our mission to uphold maritime security and promote lawful commerce within Philippine waters. The PN stands ready to confront and deter any threat to national sovereignty and maritime safety,” he added. (PNA)
