MV Haiban
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The military seized P17-million imported smuggled rice and sugar in the sea of Tawi-Tawi province on Sunday, Sept. 14.
The MV Haiban was reportedly enroute to Sulu province when it was intercepted.
Authorities found 10,000 sacks of imported rice, 4,722 bags of sugar, 80 water tanks, 1,500 boxes of noodles, and 150 cases of bottled water.
The contraband was intercepted amid a 60-day rice importation suspension effective Sept. 1 to prevent imports from undercutting domestic supply and protect local farmers.
The vessel with 12 crew and cargoes were turned over to appropriate authorities for further investigation and proper disposition.
The Bureau of Customs said the cargoes will be turned over to the Department of Agriculture pursuant to Republic Act No. 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act.
"Ours is just to assist the Philippine Navy in inventory and check if there's a legal document in transporting the goods and then turn it over to the DA," Bureau of Customs Zamboanga Port officer-in-charge and Deputy Collector for Operation Al-Zhareef Jaljis said.