ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Authorities have ordered a significant increase in seaborne patrols following the seizure of a massive haul of smuggled cigarettes off the coast of Santa Cruz Island.
Brigadier General Edwin Quilates, Western Mindanao police director, issued the order on Saturday, February 21, 2026, to curb smuggling and transnational crimes in the region’s waters.
Key Details of the Seizure:
- The Haul: Joint patrols intercepted two vessels carrying 280 master cases of assorted smuggled cigarettes.
- Estimated Value: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) valued the contraband at approximately P16.04 million.
- The Operation: Major Shellamie Chang, PRO-9 public information chief, reported that one vessel was flagged for failing to provide proper documentation. During the operation, a second vessel was discovered abandoned by its crew.
- Custody: Both vessels and the contraband have been turned over to the BOC. The crew from the first vessel remains in police custody pending the filing of formal charges.
General Quilates emphasized that Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9) will remain aggressive in its maritime security operations to protect the nation’s economic integrity and maintain responsive public service.