The Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) together with Bureau of Customs in General Santos City and other law enforcement agencies reported on Thursday the interception of five undocumented foreign and Filipino nationals carrying undocumented goods via motorized banca in Glan, Sarangani Province.
NFEM Public Affairs Officer Lieutenant Commander Jerome Bryan Mauring reported that BRP Artemio Ricarte with the help of PDEA Region 13 and PNP Regional Maritime Unit 12 intercepted a motorized banca named ‘Blessing’ loaded with undocumented goods and manned by three (3) undocumented Indonesian nationals and two (2) Filipinos on June 23.
“The motorized banca, ‘Blessing’, was found carrying 54 sacks of assorted food products and five boxes of medicine intended for cock fighting chickens, with an estimated total value of PHP 216,600.00, including the motorized banca,” Mauring said.
The arrested Indonesian nationals were identified as Repli Mananoma, the boat captain, Yopi Ifandi and Reinaldy Meidi Rembaen.
These three were apprehended for violations related to undocumented and illegal entry under Section 37 of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, as amended, which lists grounds for deportation.
Following the interception, the arrested individuals, along with the confiscated goods and the motorized banca, were taken to PNP Maritime 12 for proper custody.
The case has been turned over to the Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Immigration 12 for final disposition and 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.”