THE Naval Forces Western Mindanao (Navforwem) announced that a shipment of some P11.3 million worth of smuggled fuel and assorted goods were intercepted in the province of Tawi-Tawi.

The Navforwem said in a statement that the shipment was intercepted by joint Marines and Air Force personnel around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday in Paggasinan Village, Bongao, capital of Tawi-Tawi.

The troops were conducting maritime interdiction operation when they spotted M/L Arnalyn 2 loaded with 500 drums of fuel and assorted goods that came from Sabah, Malaysia, the statement added.

The Navforwem said the vessel and its cargoes were seized after the crew failed to present pertinent documents showing the legality of the shipment.

The vessel and its crew namely, Zalde Cap, Akmad Amil, Almujil Sajirin, Bundol Bakal, Zalde Ajan, and Ameer Kaidal Abduhasan, were escorted to the port of Bongao for proper documentation and disposition.

The Navforwem said the successful foiling of the transport of smuggled fuel is a result of an intensified and focused maritime patrol and operation of the Philippine Navy in collaboration with other partner agencies.

The Navforwem added that its operating units will continue to remain vigilant in the conduct of its mandated task to deter any unlawful activities in its area of operations. (SunStar Zamboanga)