A total of P52 million worth of smuggled cigarettes was intercepted by the Naval Task Force 71 (NTF71) under Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) and the PNP Regional Maritime Unit–Davao Region at the coast of Governor Generoso in Davao Oriental.
Authorities discovered 1,246 master cases of undocumented cigarettes, with an estimated value of P52 million, which are believed to be from Jolo, Sulu. The procurement of these illicit cigarettes violates Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) of 2016, in relation to Executive Order No. 245, which governs the exportation and importation of leaf tobacco and tobacco products.
Authorities intercepted the illicit cigarettes on May 1, 2026, during a routine maritime patrol. They located a suspicious motor banca approximately 8.5 nautical miles northwest off the coast of Poblacion, Governor Generoso, around 7 p.m. Personnel from NTF71, NFEM, and the Maritime Unit attempted to contact the vessel through standard maritime challenge procedures, but received no response. The patrol team then approached the vessel and conducted a Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operation.
“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,” NFEM wrote in its press release on May 3, 2026.
The motor banca was identified as M/B Bukal, and aboard it were seven Filipino crew members. The vessel is owned by Latip Saipol. After the apprehension, the motor banca was escorted and towed to Captain Feranil Pier, Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, Davao City.
The NSWU7, PNP Regional Maritime Unit–Davao Region, Police Station 4 (Sasa), Davao City Police Office (DCPO), and BIR Revenue Region No. 19 conducted the unloading, inventory, and proper documentation of the contraband. The vessel and the smuggled cigarettes were turned over to BIR Revenue Region No. 19 for appropriate disposition, while the crew members are under the custody of Police Station 4 Sasa and are awaiting charges.
To recall, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted P156.4 million worth of illicit cigarettes at the Port of Davao, confiscated during operations on January 6 and April 3. Authorities uncovered 182,821 reams of assorted cigarette brands without any import permit. The January operation yielded P106.23 million, while the April 3 operation yielded P50.20 million worth of illicit cigarettes.
