Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) identified the smuggling boat as MB Patay Sapa. It was found loaded with 100 boxes of Gajah Baru cigarettes worth P4 million.
According to NFEM, 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.
The authorities arrested three men onboard the vessel.
Investigation revealed that the motorized banca came from Indonesia heading to Linao, Maasim, Sarangani Province for the drop off when they were intercepted.
The arrested crew, including the boat captain, who is an Indonesian national underwent a health assessment at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, this city.
The two other crew are Filipinos and currently undergoing a debriefing.
Photos from NFEM