DAVAO CITY (November 7) — The Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) intercepted a Jungkong-type watercraft loaded with ₱43.5 million worth of smuggled foreign-brand cigarettes off the coast of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, on November 5.
Acting on a tip from a concerned citizen, the Naval Task Force 71 deployed a SEAL Team from the Naval Special Warfare Unit 7 and patrol boat BA481 to verify reports of a suspicious vessel near Barangay Bato. The team later located M/L Fatima Shakira, which ignored radio calls and was subsequently boarded in a visit, board, search, and seizure operation.
Authorities recovered 1,107 boxes of foreign-brand cigarettes. The vessel, registered to Alsamer M. Jafaar of Lantawan, Basilan, was crewed by 12 Filipinos led by Master Nurhan Sabtula. The group faces charges for violating the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863) and Executive Order No. 245 regulating tobacco imports.
Sabtula reportedly admitted that the contraband came from North Sulawesi, Indonesia, and was bound for Sta. Cruz. The seized cargo and vessel were brought to Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Davao City and turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition.
Personnel from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-XI) also inspected the shipment using K9 units to ensure no illegal drugs were hidden aboard.
The Navy said the operation highlights its continuing campaign against smuggling and other maritime crimes in Eastern Mindanao waters.
