THE Coast Guard District Southern Visayas (CGDSV), under the leadership of Commodore Ludovico Librilla Jr PCG, successfully intercepted 120 master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes at Sibulan Port, Sibulan, Negros Oriental on 07 May 2025.
The operation was a result of actionable intelligence received by the Coast Guard Intelligence Unit, which enabled the prompt surveillance and coordinated interception by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), PNP Maritime Group, and the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
Authorities intercepted a vehicle carrying undocumented cigarettes in violation of Republic Act No. 10643. Upon inventory, the confiscated items were found to have an estimated market value of PHP 3,000,000.00.
The smuggled cigarettes were officially turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition, while the driver and vehicle crew were handed over to the PNP Maritime Group for the filing of appropriate legal charges.
According to CGDSV, this successful operation highlights the PCG’s continuing efforts to safeguard our ports and coastlines against smuggling. Through strengthened intelligence gathering and close coordination with partner agencies, the PCG remains vigilant in upholding maritime law and protecting the country’s economic and security interests.
Editor’s Note: This article has been sourced from the Philippine Coast Guard – Philippines Facebook Page.
