The Philippine Navy's BRP Artemio Ricarte has intercepted a motorized banca carrying smuggled cigarettes with an estimated value of P4 million.

Intercepted was the MB Patay Sapa off Balut Island, Davao Occidental over the weekend.

The Navy was conducting territorial defense operations when it intercepted the suspicious motorized banca.

The authorities seized approximately 100 boxes of smuggled Gajah Baru cigarettes.

The three individuals onboard the boat were apprehended and subjected to questioning.

An initial interrogation revealed that the MB Patay Sapa was sailing from Indonesia bound for Maasim Sarangani for a drop-off when intercepted.

The apprehended crew members were brought to Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, Davao City.

The crew member also underwent health assessment while the Bureau of Immigration personnel immediately conducted a debriefing.

The boat captain is an Indonesian national, while the other boat crew are Filipinos.