AN INTER-AGENCY maritime operation intercepted a motor banca loaded with approximately P52 million worth of undocumented cigarettes off the coast of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental, at around 7 a.m. on May 1, 2026.
The Naval Task Force 71 (NTF71) of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) and PNP Regional Maritime Unit XI intercepted the vessel, identified as M/B Bukal, after it failed to respond to standard maritime challenge procedures around 8.5 nautical miles northwest of Governor Poblacion, Generoso.
Authorities discovered 1,246 master cases of illicit cigarettes during the visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) operation.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the contraband originated from Jolo, Sulu, reportedly owned by a certain Latip Saipol.
The seven Filipino crew members on board were immediately taken into custody.
Following the interception, the vessel was escorted to the Captain Feranil Pier at Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, Davao City.
A thorough inventory and documentation process was subsequently conducted by the Naval Special Operations Unit 7, PNP Regional Maritime Unit XI, Police Station 4 (Sasa) of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), and the Bureau of Internal Revenue Region No. 19.
“This successful operation highlights the sustained commitment of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao and its partner agencies to strengthen maritime law enforcement, combat smuggling activities, and ensure the security of the country’s maritime domain,” said Commodore Ireneo D. Battung PN, commander of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao.
The seized contraband and the vessel have been officially turned over to the BIR for appropriate disposition.
Meanwhile, the apprehended crew members are currently under the custody of Police Station 4 in Sasa, facing charges for violating Republic Act No. 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) of 2016, in relation to Executive Order No. 245.
