TROOPS have intercepted two "jungkong-type" motorboats loaded with smuggled cigarettes and 16 undocumented passengers off Sulu, the military reported Tuesday, September 8.
Brigadier General William Gonzales, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the joint team of the 6th Special Forces Battalion (6SFBn) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) were on riverine patrol when they intercepted early Monday the two motorboats in the vicinity of Minis Island in Latih village, Patikul, Sulu.
Gonzales said the cigarettes have no shipping permit while the passengers have not travel permits and were subsequently apprehended.
Passengers of motorboats or commercial ferry are required to secure a travel permit amid the prevailing coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
Gonzales said apprehended passengers and seized cigarettes were turned over to PCG-Sulu for further investigation and proper disposition.
Major General Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command, has assured the troops will continue to support other law enforcement agencies in curbing illegal activities in its area of operation. (SunStar Zamboanga)