ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Philippine Navy seized approximately P197.2 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in two separate maritime operations off the coasts of Sultan Kudarat and Basilan this week.

Rear Adm. Constancio Arturo Reyes Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Naval Command, said Wednesday the operations resulted in the apprehension of two vessels, the M/V Sun Voyage and the motorboat M/B Skyblue.

Both vessels were found transporting thousands of master cases of assorted foreign tobacco brands without proper documentation.

Naval units under Naval Task Force 61 intercepted the M/V Sun Voyage on Wednesday off the coast of Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat. Upon inspection, authorities discovered 3,000 master cases of imported cigarettes with an estimated market value of P171 million.

Reyes said the vessel’s skipper failed to present valid importation permits or cargo clearances, leading to an immediate seizure.

The second interception occurred Tuesday near Sibago Island in Basilan province. Navy personnel stopped the M/B Skyblue, which was carrying undocumented tobacco valued at P26.2 million.

Neither the boat captain nor the crew could produce the required paperwork for the vessel or its cargo.

Reyes characterized the seizures as a testament to the Navy’s commitment to protecting Philippine waters against smuggling and illegal trade. He noted that both operations followed established maritime law enforcement protocols.

The apprehended vessels, their crews, and the contraband were escorted to the naval command headquarters at Naval Station Romulo Espaldon in Zamboanga City. The items will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for documentation and final disposition.