Authorities have intercepted a motorized banca believed to have come from Indonesia and loaded with wildlife species in the waters of Lower Makar in Barangay Labangal, General Santos City on Monday, December 8, 2025.

Personnel of the General Santos Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA), together with other government agencies, received a tip from a concerned citizen about a pump boat with several alleged foreigners on board on December 7, 2025.

Authorities then conducted intelligence monitoring and maritime surveillance, which resulted in the apprehension of the watercraft around 4:30 p.m. on Monday, December 9.

At least six people were arrested while another remains at large, as of this writing. The individuals arrested are being verified in coordination with the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

During inspection, authorities discovered two assorted crates containing various wildlife species; another crate with 20 leopard tortoises worth around P200,000; a small aviary containing Nicobar pigeon; and 21 boxes of assorted dry goods containing clothes, personal belongings, and food supplies.

Authorities also identified the boat operator as alias “Cam,” 43, a resident of Mabila, Sarangani, who is now being pursued, as of this writing.

The individuals arrested were taken into police custody while charges are being prepared against them, including violations of wildlife and immigration laws.

The PNP-Maritime Group is coordinating with and BI and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-SOCCSKSARGEN (DENR-12) for investigation and disposition of the seized wildlife species.

"Ang matagumpay na operasyong ito ay malinaw na patunay na buhay at aktibo ang ating pagbabantay sa karagatang Pilipino. Hindi natin hahayaan na maging daanan ng iligal na aktibidad—mapa-wildlife trafficking, smuggling, o paglabag sa ating mga batas sa imigrasyon,” PNP-Maritime Group Director, Brigadier General Lou Evangelista, said.