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Ship seized for smuggling cigarettes
The 'Sun Voyage', manned by crew members from Myanmar, was held on Feb. 24, 2026, in Sultan Kudarat by the Naval Command Western Mindanao for allegedly transporting more than 3,000 master cases of smuggled cigarettes. The ship had been observed by Philippine Navy personnel drifting in the seas of Sultan Kudarat near Kalamansig Port for the past seven days. Navy personnel proceeded towards the ship, thinking that it might be in distress, and upon boarding, discovered a staggering haul of thousands of master cases of cigarettes. The master was unable to provide the required importation permits or clearances for the transport of the cargo. An inventory of the items has not yet been completed, but initial estimates placed the cargo to be at least 3,000 cases for an estimated market value of P171 million. The ship was underway from Cambodia to Davao City. The master claimed that the vessel was carrying 7,000 master cases of cigarettes when it left Cambodia. While the vessel was being towed towards the naval headquarters in Zamboanga City, Navy personnel observed two smaller vessels trying to approach the vessel leading them to think that the 'Sun Voyage' distributed illicit cargo to smaller boats while in transit. The smaller vessels sailed away after seeing the Navy vessel escorting the 'Sun Voyage'. Before arriving at the naval headquarters, the Navy chanced upon a motorized banca marked MB Skyblue in the sea of Sebago Island in Basilan. pon inspection, the ship revealed 480 master cases of smuggled cigarettes, prompting Navy personnel to tow the 'Sun Voyage' together with seven crew members onboard towards their headquarters. On the morning of Feb 25, naval personnel intercepted the motorboat 'Skyblue 'southeast of Sibago Island, Basilan province. Inspection revealed some 460 master cases of foreign-brand cigarettes, valued at around PHP26.2 million. The skipper and crew were unable to present a valid documentation for the boat and cargo. Both were brought to the WMNC headquarters in Zamboanga City. Report with photo: https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/25/200-benefit-from-duterte-medical-mission-in-davao-city
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