ZAMBOANGA CITY, Sept. 28 -- Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC) agents arrested two suspects and seized PHP2.7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes early Sunday off Basilan province.

WMNC commander Rear Admiral Constancio Arturo Reyes Jr. said the contraband was intercepted around 1:23 a.m. in the waters off Hadji Muhtamad town.

Two crew members, both residents of Basilan, were taken into custody, along with the illegal items.

Reyes said sailors aboard BRP-Herminigildo Yurong (PG906) were conducting a maritime security patrol when they chanced upon M/B Water Blade.

M/B Water Blade was carrying 40 master cases of assorted foreign-brand cigarettes.

"This apprehension demonstrates our unrelenting commitment to protect the country's wa...