A cargo vessel carrying approximately 50,000 bags of smuggled rice was seized by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Tonquil, Sulu.
The PCG said on Sunday that the agency found the cargo steel-hull vessel MV Hulk as it conducted maritime security at Bulan Island, Sulu last Nov. 16.
The PCG said that MV Hulk’s home port is located in Cagayan de Oro City and is registered under Key West Shipping Lines Corporation.
According to the agency, its personnel in the said province spotted an anchored cargo vessel during its maritime inspection.
“Lieutenant Jeffrey R Collado PCG, Commanding Officer of Multi-Role Response Vessel 4408, immediately dispatched boarding team and special operations unit on board a rubber boat to conduct high risk board and search and discovered at least 50,000 illegal bags of rice,” it said.
The shipment and its officers disembarked the ship through a motorized boat prior to the inspection, PCG said, citing reports of the remaining crew of MV Hulk.
While on its way towards Zamboanga City, MV Hulk encountered engine trouble and shut down. This prompted PCG personnel to tow the vessel in order to resume its operation.
MV Hulk docketed at Bengo Wharf, Zamboanga City on Saturday and has been placed under the custody of PCG personnel as it awaits for inspection from the Bureau of Customs. /je