BUREAU OF Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno commended the Naval Command–Western Mindanao (NCWM) for its sustained vigilance and operational success following a series of maritime law enforcement operations that resulted to the interception of more than ₱193 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes.
In a statement, the Customs Chief said these interdictions dealt “a significant blow to illicit trade activities in the region.”
On August 14, 2026, personnel of Naval Task Force 61 intercepted a vessel off Buton Mahablo in Parang, Sulu, carrying approximately ₱170.14 million worth of undocumented foreign-brand cigarettes.
Five crew members and 19 laborers were apprehended, while the vessel and its cargo were subsequently turned over to the Bureau of Customs – Port of Zamboanga for appropriate legal action.
The operation followed an earlier interdiction conducted by the NCWM on July 29 off Simisa Island, Sulu, which resulted to the seizure of approximately ₱23 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes.
Together, the two operations brought the estimated value of cigarettes intercepted by the NCWM in less than a month to approximately ₱193 million, Commissioner Nepomuceno noted.
“Malaking bagay ang kontribusyon ng Naval Command–Western Mindanao sa ating kampanya laban sa smuggling.
“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa kanilang agarang aksyon upang mapigilan ang pagpasok ng mga iligal na produkto na sumisira sa lehitimong kalakalan at seguridad ng ating mga komunidad,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
He added the BOC remains committed to strengthening its partnership with the Naval Command–Western Mindanao through sustained coordination and joint enforcement efforts aimed at combating smuggling and other forms of illicit trade.