5,000 sacks of smuggled rice seized

MANILA, Philippines — A vessel carrying over 5,000 sacks of smuggled rice from Malaysia was seized at the Port of Davao on Sunday.

The rice shipment is under the custody of the Philippine Navy in Panacan for inventory and disposal, Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said yesterday.

Personnel of the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, Maritime Police and Bureau of Customs first spotted the vessel in the vicinity of Sarangani last week.

Initial inspection showed the shipment has no permit from the National Food as well as  transport documents.

The vessel has reportedly 12 crewmembers who claim to be Filipinos.