Sulu: Sailors of the Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC) on Monday achieved a significant anti-smuggling accomplishment, confiscating PHP23 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arresting five individuals off Sulu, an official said Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Rear Admiral Constancio Arturo Reyes Jr., commander of WMNC, stated that the contraband was seized near Pandukan Island, Pangutaran, Sulu. Personnel aboard the BRP-Herminigildo Yurong intercepted a motorboat manned by five crewmen during a maritime patrol.

"This successful operation is another clear message to smugglers and lawless elements that our seas are not safe havens for illegal activities," Reyes said in a statement. "WMNC, together with our inter-agency partners, remains steadfast in protecting our maritime domain and our communities."

Seized aboard the motorboat were 400 master cases of assorted foreign-brand smuggled cigarettes worth PHP23 million. The identities of the five arrested crew members are withheld pending further investigation.

WMNC reported that the motorboat and its cargo were brought to Naval Station Romulo Espaldon in Zamboanga City and turned over to the Bureau of Customs.

This confiscation followed an operation a day earlier, when the BRP-Herminigildo Yurong arrested two individuals and seized PHP2.7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes off Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan.

Reyes emphasized that WMNC will continue to strengthen maritime security operations under the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC), ensuring the seas of Western Mindanao remain safe and secure.