A Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC) of the 4th Boat Attack Division under operational control of Naval Task Force 71 of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, Philippine Navy apprehended a motorized banca filled with 1,070 cases of undocumented Master cigarettes along the seas off Batulaki, Glan, Sarangani on Black Saturday, March 30, 2024.
Report reaching the office of Navy Flag Officer in Command , Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci said, while conducting maritime patrol in the vicinity of Batulaki, Glan, Sarangani, the crew of MAPAC BA 492 noticed a radar contact which upon their confirmation was a motorized boat.
Further observation revealed that it was acting suspiciously, prompting the Navy MPAC to chase and interdict said vessel. Upon boarding and inspection of the boat, 17 crew members were found on board together with 1,070 cases of undocumented tobacco products. The estimated street value of the contraband amounts to PhP 21.4 million.
BA 492 then escorted the watercraft carrying the seized goods, along with its 17 crew, to DOLEPHIL Pier, General Santos City for their turnover to proper authorities.
The Navy shall continue to patrol the country’s waters and littorals to secure them from illegal activities.
