LAW enforcement officials arrested eight individuals and seized approximately P1.9 million worth of illegally transported forest products off Sulu on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
Police Major Fritze James Madrid, chief of the Sulu Maritime Police Station (Sulu MARPSTA), reported the seizure occurred around 9 p.m. Monday, June 16. The operation took place in the seawaters of Tanjung, Kajatian village, Indanan.
Madrid stated that the eight suspects, all aboard the M/L Arnalyn II, were arrested during a seaborne patrol. This patrol followed an intelligence report about an illegal lumber shipment arriving in Tanjung.
Upon inspection, authorities found the M/L Arnalyn loaded with 30,000 board feet of assorted lumber, valued at P1.9 million. The illegally transported lumber originated from Languyan, Tawi-Tawi.
The vessel, its cargo, and the suspects are now in the custody of Sulu MARPSTA for proper disposition. Appropriate charges will be filed against all individuals involved in the illegal transport of forest products. (SunStar Zamboanga)