NSFA, Panacan, Davao City — BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS37), one of the Navy ships deployed at NFEM AOR seizes motorized banca, MB Patay Sapa, smuggling cigarettes with an estimated value of Php 4,000,000 pesos along the seawaters Southwest of Balut Island, Davao Occidental on January 3, 2024.
The BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS37) under the operational control of Naval Task Force 71, conducted territorial defense operations along the RP-RI common borders when they intercepted the suspicious motorized banca.
As a result of the interception, approximately 100 boxes of Gajah Baru cigarettes were discovered wherein three (3) individuals were onboard.
Further interrogation revealed that the motorized banca came from Indonesia bound to Linao, Maasim, Sarangani Province for the drop off when the interception happened.
Upon arrival at Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City, the apprehended crew underwent a health assessment.
Meanwhile , the Bureau of Immigration personnel immediately conducted debriefing and initial inquiry revealed that the boat captain is an Indonesian national, while the other two personnel are legitimate Filipinos.
