Smuggled rice seized in Basilan

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) seized several sacks of rice believed smuggled into the country in Basilan on Saturday night.

The sacks of rice were loaded in a cargo vessel that the PCG intercepted in the waters off Maluso town.

A multi-role response vessel of the PCG was on patrol when it spotted the M/L RJ Express at around 10:30 p.m., according to Lt. Cmdr. Noriel Ramos, chief of the PCG Zamboanga station.

The motorlaunch was believed to have come from Bulan Island in Sulu.

Ramos said they have yet to determine the exact number of sacks of rice and their value.