P8 million smuggled rice seized in Basilan

MANILA, Philippines — At least 4,000 sacks of smuggled rice valued at P8 million were seized from a ship in the waters off Basilan on Sunday.

Personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)’s Western Mindanao District-Special Operations Unit on board the BRP Cape San Agustin also confiscated the motor launch R/J Express. 

The PCG said the ship captain and crewmembers failed to present the necessary documents of the rice cargo.  

The ship officers and crew were turned over to the custody of the Bureau of Customs.