The Philippine Navy's BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS3)has intercepted a motorized banca believed to be carrying smuggled cigarettes with an estimated value of P4 million.
The BRP Artemio Ricarte, deployed in the area of responsibility of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao under the operational control of Naval Task Force 71, intercepted the MB Patay Sapa along the seawaters  Southwest of Balut Island, Davao Occidental over the weekend. 

The Philippine Navy crew was conducting territorial defense operations along the Republic of the Philippines–Republic of Indonesia (RP-RI) common borders when they 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. 

The initial interrogation revealed that the MB Patay Sapa was sailing from Indonesia and was bound to Linao in Maasim Sarangani for a drop-off when the interception happened. 

The authorities brought the apprehended crew to the PN's Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, Davao City. 

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

The initial inquiry also revealed that the boat captain is an Indonesian national, while the other boat crew are Filipinos.