The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has intercepted 80 boxes of alleged smuggled cigarettes with an estimated market value of 15.8 million pesos worth at North Harbor, Tondo, Manila.
On 27 February 2025, the Coast Guard Sea Marshal Force (CGSMF) received a phone call from intelligence personnel that there was a smuggled container cargo onboard M/V Saint Michael the Archangel that departed from the Port of Zamboanga.
Immediately, CGSMF onboard the said vessel proceeded to the bridge to verify the cargo manifest. Upon verification, the said container cargo was not included in the cargo manifest.
On 05 March 2025, the PCG, in coordination with the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Philippine National Police-Maritime Group (PNP-MARIG) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), opened the undeclared cargo revealing 80 boxes of alleged smuggled cigarettes.
As per the directive of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr, the PCG, in coordination with partner agencies, remains committed to safeguarding the nationβs waters from illegal activities.
"We continue to strengthen our maritime security operations and port security measures to prevent smuggling and protect the safety of our citizens during their voyages," the CGSMF expressed.