PANACAN, Davao City — Authorities intercepted a motorized banca carrying millions of pesos worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during a joint maritime patrol operation off the coastal waters of Sarangani, Davao Occidental on May 18, 2026.
The operation was jointly conducted by the Philippine Navy’s Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao together with the Sarangani Maritime Police Station, Regional Intelligence Division 11, Davao City Police Office, Police Station 3 Sasa DCPO, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit 11, and the Bureau of Customs.
Authorities said the operating forces monitored a motorized banca identified as M/B BAHITRAH after it reportedly exhibited suspicious movements while traversing the coastal waters. The vessel allegedly attempted to evade government operatives, prompting authorities to conduct an interception operation.
Upon inspection, law enforcement personnel 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 Y. Yabes, 57; Adubert Ellio, 39; and Roger Tanjing, 47 — all residents of General Santos City.
The apprehended individuals, together with the confiscated cigarettes and the seized motorized banca, were transported to the headquarters of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao in Panacan, Davao City.
Authorities said the confiscated cigarettes and the seized vessel were turned over to the custody of the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition and documentation, while the arrested suspects were temporarily detained at Police Station 4 Sasa DCPO pending the filing of appropriate criminal charges.
Officials said the successful operation underscored the strengthened coordination among maritime security and law enforcement agencies in combating smuggling and other illegal maritime activities in Eastern Mindanao.
The Philippine Navy, in a statement, reiterated its commitment to addressing maritime security challenges, promoting regional stability, and intensifying coastal security operations in cooperation with partner agencies.