THE BARKO ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Herminigildo Yurong, under the operational control of Naval Task Force 71 of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, apprehended two watercrafts carrying P30 million worth of smuggled cigarettes on Dec. 18.
The Navy identified them as M/L ER-FAR and M/B Quaireen seized in the vicinity of Digos City, Davao del Sur.
At approximately 8 p.m. on Dec. 18, M/L ER-FAR was seen anchored 1,000 yards from Digos point, transferring boxes of smuggled cigarettes to an unmarked banca. The PG906 swiftly responded to the situation.
Upon inspection, the watercraft was found to have seven crew members, one porter, and approximately 1,000 master cases of smuggled cigarettes on board.
While still aboard M/L ER-FAR, PG906 spotted another vessel engaging in similar activity near the shoreline of Punta Biao, Digos City. The naval boarding team inspected the vessel, later identified as M/B QAIREEN.
The machinery of M/B QAIREEN had been deliberately destroyed, and it contained an estimated 800 master cases of smuggled cigarettes. Furthermore, neither vessel possessed the required documentation or permits.
On Dec. 19, NAVSOU7 assisted PG906 in towing the apprehended vessels and escorted the prize crew to Captain Feranil Pier, Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City, for turnover to the authorities.
Upon arrival at NSFA, the seven crew members of M/L ER-FAR were taken to Camp Panacan Hospital for a medical assessment.
Photo courtesy of NFEM
