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The Philippine Navy intercepted a boat loaded with P2.7 million worth of contraband items off shore Basilan province, a military official said here Thursday.

Philippine Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo said the boat loaded with smuggled goods was intercepted shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday northeast of Pilas Island, Hadji Muhtamad town.

Arevalo said the Navy personnel aboard BRP-Anastacio Cacayurin skippered by Lt. Bernie Lim were on maritime patrol in the west coast of Basilan province when it sighted an unknown watercraft transiting northeast of Pilas Island.

Arevalo said the patrolling Navy personnel immediately intercepted the vessel which was later identified as M/L Fatima Zhiea and conducted board and search procedure.

M/L Fatima Zhiea is operated by Nursin Aukusa and owned by Hadji Eyam Kajibon of Isabela City, the capital of Basilan province, Arevalo said.

He said the troops discovered aboard M/L Fatima Zhiea P2.7 million worth of dutiable goods that came from Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia.

He said the cargoes includes 3,000 bags of 25 kilos each of Vietnamese long grain white rice and 2,000 bags of 50 kilos each Thai refined sugar.

Arevalo said the Navy personnel escorted the boat-load of contraband items to Isabela City, where the goods were turned over to the Bureau of Customs.

Arevalo said the conduct of maritime patrols by the Navy especially in the so-called “southern backdoor” has so far been successful.

He said the maritime patrols deny the lawless elements the use of vital sea lanes in carrying out their nefarious activities. (PNA)

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