Navy seizes P10-M worth of smuggled goods in Sulu

MANILA, Philippines – About P10 million worth of smuggled goods including rice and other food supplies onboard a motor launch were seized by the Philippine Navy early Monday in Sulu.

Navy operatives launched a maritime operation following intelligence information about the presence of the contraband.

The Navy dispatched its patrol gunboat BRP Emilio Liwanag (PG118) to intercept ML Shayna in Daingapic Point in Patikul, said Navy spokesman Colonel Omar Tonsay in a statement Tuesday

The vessel was intending to dock at Warid Pier in Jolo.

Initial reports said that the vessel, with 12 Filipino crew members, had 12,000 sacks of rice with 25 kilograms per sack, 1,412 boxes of assorted foodstuff and 400 sacks of wheat flour with 25 kg per sack. All the items were without legal importation documents and permit from the National Food Authority.

The vessel is owned by a certain Jaiton Jadjap and Darcy Tan, both of Port Area in Jolo, while the owner of the smuggled goods has yet to be determined.

The motor launch was escorted by the PG 118 to the Chinese Pier in Jolo for turnover to the Sulu Bureau of Customs for proper disposition later on.

On October 30, the Navy also seized P15 million worth of smuggled goods near Tulian Island.