Oct 1, 2025
https://mb.com.ph/2025/10/01/p6-m-smuggled-rice-sugar-intercepted-in-tawi-tawi
ZAMBOANGA CITY – A vessel carrying various undocumented items amounting to P6 million was intercepted by the Western Mindanao Naval Command in the sea of Sitangkay Island, Tawi-Tawi province on Monday, Sept. 29.
Navy personnel intercepted the ML Fatima Radzna-J in Sintangkai Lagoon allegedly carrying a significant quantity of undocumented goods, including rice.
Lt. Commander Chester Cabaltera, Naval Forces Western Mindanao information officer, said the vessel was transporting 3,000 sacks of rice, 400 bags of refined sugar, 200 boxes of biscuits, 300 boxes of noodles, 100 cases of bottled water, as well as two boxes each of coffee and soy sauce. The boat was manned by 10 personnel.
All items were reported to have originated from Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia and valued at P6.2 million.
The vessel was escorted to the Naval Station Romulo Espaldon (NSRE) in Zamboanga City for processing.
Bureau of Plant and Industry officer Arnne Cenon said the rice transport violated the Rice Tariffication Law.
“Na-stop na ang importation ng rice dito sa atin nung last Sept. 1 pa so since Sept. 29 na tayo at wala itong mga papeles for transport, bawal na ito and we will ask the Bureau of Customs (BoC) to issue a Warrant of Seizure and Detention Order (WSD) sa mga bigas at sugar,” Cenon said.