ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Feb 10 (PIA) – Joint elements of Naval Forces West, Marine Battalion Landing Team 12 and Kilusang Sagip Kalikasan (KSK) apprehended an unmarked motor launch laden with 600 sacks of tanbark some two nautical miles off Barangay Malihud, Bataraza in Palawan Monday evening.
NFW Public Affairs Officer Lt. Noel Joseph B. Cadigal (PN) said following a tip from concerned individuals, the apprehending team immediately conducted a counteraction operation leading to the interception of the said motor launch, along with its eight crew that is skippered by a certain Arnold Pinote.
Based on the initial investigation, the said contraband would be shipped to Cebu City via Mapun, Tawi-Tawi. Authorities estimate the amount of the confiscated tanbarks at Php 8,000,000.00.
Tanbark is the bark of certain species of tree. It is traditionally used for tanning hides.
The said motor launch is presently under the custody of MBLT12 in Rio Tuba, Bataraza, Palawan along with its crew and contrabands pending the filing of appropriate charges by KSK. (NFW/RVC-PIA9 ZBST)
