DAVAO DEL SUR, Philippines – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) successfully intercepted a motorized banca carrying an estimated ₱7.38 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during a maritime law enforcement operation in the waters off Barangay Zone 3, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, in the early hours of July 27, 2026.
The operation stemmed from actionable intelligence regarding the transport of illegal tobacco products through the province’s coastal waters. Acting swiftly on the information, the PCG deployed a seaborne patrol that resulted in the interception of MBCA Camilla, a motorbanca suspected of transporting contraband.
During the boarding and inspection of the vessel, Coast Guard personnel uncovered 82 master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes, prompting authorities to seize the cargo and place the vessel under government control.
According to PCG Spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab, initial findings indicate that the shipment originated from Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, and was bound for distribution in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.
“The contraband originated from Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, and was intended for distribution in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. The three crew members were taken into Coast Guard custody for appropriate legal disposition,” Cayabyab said.
The three crew members aboard the vessel are now in the custody of the Philippine Coast Guard while authorities prepare the necessary legal proceedings and conduct further investigations to determine the identities of those behind the smuggling operation, including the intended recipients of the illegal shipment.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan commended the operating units for their prompt and coordinated response, emphasizing that the successful interception demonstrates the Coast Guard’s strengthened maritime law enforcement capabilities in combating transnational and domestic smuggling activities.
The operation was jointly carried out by the Coast Guard Intelligence Group Southeastern Mindanao, Coast Guard Intelligence Unit Davao del Sur, Coast Guard Station Davao del Sur, Coast Guard Intelligence and Investigation Division Unit Southeastern Mindanao, and Coast Guard Sub-Station Sta. Cruz.
Authorities said the seizure forms part of the Philippine Coast Guard’s continuing campaign against smuggling, a persistent threat that deprives the government of tax revenues while fueling the illicit trade of untaxed tobacco products in various parts of the country.
The Coast Guard reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying maritime patrols and intelligence-driven operations to safeguard the country’s coastal borders against illegal activities. The operation also supports the Bagong Pilipinas governance agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and aligns with the PCG’s Intensified Community Assistance, Awareness, Response, and Enforcement (iCARE) campaign, which aims to strengthen maritime security, law enforcement, and public safety across Philippine waters.
The latest interception adds to a series of successful anti-smuggling operations conducted by law enforcement agencies across Mindanao in recent weeks, underscoring the government’s intensified efforts to dismantle smuggling networks operating through the country’s maritime corridors.