AT least 100 boxes of assorted smuggled cigarettes were intercepted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Southern Negros Occidental at the Old Pantalan, Barangay Cartagena, Sipalay City on Thursday, Nov. 27. (PCG-Southern Negros Occidental)
BACOLOD CITY – The Philippine Coast Guard-Southern Negros Occidental intercepted around 100 boxes of assorted smuggled cigarettes at Old Pantalan in Barangay Cartagena, Sipalay City before dawn on Thursday morning, Nov. 27.
According to Lt. Junior Grade James Carbajosa, commander of PCG-Southern Negros Occidental, the operation was prompted by a report about cigarettes being illegally transported from Mindanao.
Authorities arrived in the area and discovered a boat with six crew members and about 15 others unloading the cargo.
The suspects noticed their arrival and fled toward a nearby mountain.
The abandoned vessel was damaged by strong waves and several boxes were scattered on the shoreline. Coast Guard personnel conducted a cleanup to secure the contraband.
The suspects remain unidentified and at large, though the boat crew was believed to have come from Basilan.
Carbajosa said the cigarettes were likely intended for distribution across the province. He emphasized their commitment to stopping such illegal activities.
The total value of the goods is yet to be determined as inventory by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is ongoing.