Authorities intercepted a motorized banca carrying more than P3.7 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during a joint maritime operation off Sarangani, Davao Occidental on May 18.
The Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao said the operation was carried out with the Sarangani Maritime Police Station, Regional Intelligence Division 11, Davao City Police Office units, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Regional Field Unit 11, and the Bureau of Customs.
During the patrol, operatives monitored a motorized banca identified as M/B Bahitrah after it allegedly showed suspicious movements and attempted to evade authorities.
The vessel was later flagged down and inspected in the coastal waters of Sarangani.
Authorities discovered 228 boxes of undocumented Gajah Baru-brand cigarettes with an estimated market value of P3,722,800.
Three individuals aboard the vessel were arrested and identified as Edwin Yabes, 57 years old; Adubert Ellio, 39 years old; and Roger Tanjing, 47 years old, all residents of General Santos City.
The suspects, seized cigarettes, and motorized banca were escorted to the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao headquarters in Panacan, Davao City.
The confiscated cigarettes and vessel were turned over to the custody of the Bureau of Customs, while the arrested individuals were temporarily detained at Police Station 4 of the Sasa Police Station under the Davao City Police Office pending the filing of appropriate charges.
Authorities said the operation highlights the continuing effort of maritime and law enforcement agencies to strengthen coastal security and stop smuggling and other illegal activities in Eastern Mindanao waters.