Task Force Davao spokesman Captain John Louie Dema-ala reported that the Task Force and Davao City Police Office have confiscated the illegal items from 13 individuals around 6 a.m while they were onboard a boat docked at Minterbro Wharf, Brgy Ilang.
In coordination with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) 11, the authorities seized 1,152 boxes of suspected smuggled assorted cigarettes with an estimated street value of P28,800,000.00.
TF Davao identified the suspects as Adzkel M. Omar, 40; Abdul Rajik Alamansa, 69; Aramil Rahamban, 38; Faisal Ilahan, 20, Mahmud Salapudin, 31; Allan Julabi, 51; Jedyd Waradje, 19; Abdulnayan Aidan, 33; Dionisio Salazar, 53; Aljunib Sapairen, 30; Daniel Tucop, 69; and Abdil Halim B Patarasa, 61. Most of them are residents of Basilan.
TFD Commander Colonel Darren E. Comia thanked Dabawenyos for the support and cooperation especially in the implementation of "pag may nakita, dapat magsalita" Culture of Security campaign here.
He said the seizure of the said contrabands was made possible due to the tip from concerned citizens who reported the presence of motorized boats in their area.
The suspects and the illegal items were immediately turned over to the BOC 11for filing of charges in violation of Republic Act No. 4712 An Act amending Certain sections of Tariff and Customs Code of The Philippines (smuggled cigarettes).
Photos from TF DAVAO