07/10/2026
NCWM SURPASSES ₱4 BILLION IN MARITIME APPREHENSIONS FOR 2026
The Naval Command Western Mindanao (NCWM), under the leadership of Rear Admiral Constancio Arturo M. Reyes Jr. PN, Commander, Naval Command Western Mindanao, has surpassed ₱4 billion in cumulative operational apprehensions for 2026, marking a significant milestone in the Command’s sustained campaign against smuggling and other illicit maritime activities in Western Mindanao.
The milestone was reinforced by seven successful maritime interdictions from 11 September to 03 October 2026, resulting in the apprehension of vessels and the seizure of undocumented ci******es, illegally sourced timber, and suspected smuggled fuel with a combined estimated value of ₱481.06 million.
Among the recent operations were:
M/V LIFE SAVER — 11 September
Naval forces intercepted the vessel off Picong, Lanao del Sur, recovering 404 master cases of undocumented foreign ci******es valued at approximately ₱126.93 million.
M/B MESSENGER — 19 September
A Special Warfare Unit 6 (SWU6) team intercepted the vessel near Recodo, Zamboanga City, carrying 3,996.5 board feet of illegally sourced Yakal lumber valued at approximately ₱359,685.
M/B AMOY 2GO — 24 September
Naval forces recovered 100 master cases and 30 reams of illicit ci******es off Sinunoc-Recodo, Zamboanga City, valued at approximately ₱10.89 million.
M/PB NUR-AIDA — 29 September
A SWU6 maritime interdiction team intercepted the vessel off Ayala, Zamboanga City, carrying approximately 1,883 board feet of undocumented lumber. The seized timber was valued at approximately ₱75,320 and turned over to the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), Zamboanga City, for proper disposition.
UNMARKED YELLOW MOTORIZED BANCA — 30 September
Naval forces intercepted an unmarked motorized banca off Sinunoc, Zamboanga City, carrying assorted undocumented ci******es. Subsequent inventory yielded 31 master cases and 21 reams of assorted ci******es, with the seized vessel and contraband valued at approximately ₱4.85 million. The items were turned over to the Bureau of Customs, Port of Zamboanga.
M/B BULLWINKLE — 03 October
Following a maritime pursuit off B**go Island, Maguindanao, naval forces apprehended seven crew members and recovered 297 master cases of undocumented ci******es valued at approximately ₱94.77 million.
M/B DOLPHIN — 03 October
Naval forces intercepted the vessel off South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi, recovering 1,576 master cases of undocumented ci******es and 12 drums of suspected smuggled diesel fuel with an estimated value of ₱243.19 million.
The seized vessels and commodities were turned over to the Bureau of Customs and other appropriate government agencies for proper disposition and legal action.
RADM Reyes commended the personnel of Naval Task Force 61, its operating units, and partner agencies for their vigilance and coordinated efforts.
> “Surpassing the ₱4-billion mark reflects the vigilance, professionalism, and resolve of our naval forces and partner agencies. More than the value of the seizures, these operations demonstrate our determination to deny the use of our waters for illegal activities and protect our maritime domain, economy, and communities.”
These accomplishments underscore NCWM’s persistent maritime presence, responsive interdiction capability, and strong inter-agency cooperation in securing the waters of Western Mindanao.
NCWM remains steadfast in safeguarding the maritime domain and denying its use for smuggling, illegal exploitation of natural resources, and other activities that threaten national security and economic interests.
