P2.7-M Smuggled Cigarettes Seized Off Basilan
Manila: Naval Command (WMNC) agents arrested two suspects and seized PHP2.7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes early Sunday off Basilan province. WMNC commander Rear Admiral Constancio Arturo Reyes Jr. stated that the contraband was intercepted around 1:23 a.m. in the waters off Hadji Muhtamad town. According to Philippines News Agency, two crew members, both residents of Basilan, were taken into custody, along with the illegal items. Reyes reported that sailors aboard BRP-Herminigildo Yurong (PG906) were conducting a maritime security patrol when they encountered M/B Water Blade. The vessel was carrying 40 master cases of assorted foreign-brand cigarettes. Reyes emphasized, “This