Manila, March 3 -- Authorities have confiscated PHP2.4 million worth of smuggled fuel in separate law enforcement operations in Zamboanga City and Basilan province during the weekend, officials reported Monday.

The bulk of the seizure, valued at PHP2.3 million, was intercepted near a private shipyard in Barangay Cawit, Zamboanga City, around past midnight Sunday.

The remaining smuggled fuel was seized in Lamitan City, Basilan.

District Collector Zsae Carrie De Guzman of the Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Zamboanga, said the operation involved the wooden vessel ML Dino Saja, which was carrying 40,000 liters of diesel.

The vessel's skipper, Moamar Hadjirul, failed to present cargo documents, leading to the seizure of the fuel and the...