THE Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) reported on Thursday the apprehension of three Indonesians and two Filipinos suspected of smuggling goods using a motorized banca in Glan, Sarangani province.
NFEM spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Jerome Bryan Mauring said the BRP Artemio Ricarte, with the assistance of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Region 13 and the Philippine National Police Regional Maritime Unit 12, intercepted last June 23 the motorized banca named ‘Blessing’ loaded with smuggled goods and manned by the three Indonesians and two Filipinos.
“The banca was found carrying 54 sacks of undocumented assorted products and five boxes of medicine intended for fighting cocks, with an estimated total value of P216,600 including the motorized banca,” Mauring said.
The Indonesians were identified as Repli Mananoma, the boat skipper, and his crewmen Yopi Ifandi and Reinaldy Meidi Rembaen.
The suspects and the seized goods, along with and the motorized banca, were taken to PNP Maritime 12 for proper disposition.
The case has been turned over to the Bureau of Customs and the Bureau of Immigration preparatory to the filing of appropriate charges.
“This successful apprehension underscores the ongoing efforts of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao and collaborating agencies to secure the region’s maritime boundaries and enforce laws against smuggling and illegal entry,” the NFEM said.