ZAMBOANGA CITY – A motorboat loaded with smuggled cigarettes valued at P1.5 million capsized after it was intercepted by Philippine Navy personnel in the sea between Zamboanga City and Basilan province on Sunday.
The Armed Forces Western Mindanao Naval Command detected and pursued a suspicious vessel marked MB Sophia during seaborne operations.
It was later found to be transporting 60 master cases of undocumented foreign-brand cigarettes. The vessel was manned by two crew members.
During the trip back to Zamboanga City for turnover to proper authorities, the boat capsized due to huge waves.
Meanwhile, one person was injured when a truck loaded with commercial rice rammed a car, triggering a chain collision on the MCLL Highway here on Tuesday.
Investigation showed that the truck loaded with 25 tons of commercial rice bumped the car upon reaching the Boalan Elementary School. The truck hit an L300 van and another car occupied by a couple.
First aid was provided to the female driver of one of the vehicles. She was transported to a hospital.
Police arrested the truck driver who said that he was on his way to Barangay Divisoria in Zamboanga City from Iligan city to transport rice when his vehicle lost its brakes upon reaching the accident site.