PCG: Personnel of MRRV-4404 and CGS Sarangani apprehended two alleged pirates while on the actual exploit of boarding M/Tug 308 and SSL Barge 08 at vicinity waters of 4.5NM West of Hacidan Pt., Davao Occidental yesterday, June 5.

The incident was reported by a certain Mr. Andy Torato, Vice President of Aboitiz Security to the Headquarters Coast Guard District South Eastern Mindanao (HCGDSEM).

According to the skipper of M/Tug 308, Captain Ricardo Padernal, twenty (20) armed men using five (5) motorbancas forcefully boarded their vessel prior the apprehension made while traversing Maybio Pt., Davao Occidental Area enroute to Maasim, Sarangani Province. Further, the said men took fifteen (15) gallons of assorted paints, thirty (30) liters of diesel, and one half (1/2) sack of rice.  

CGDSEM immediately coordinated to the nearest Coast Guard Stations and Sub-Stations to dispatch aluminum boat for monitoring and deployed MRRV-4404 with four Special Operation Unit of South Eastern Mindanao (SOU-SEM) personnel on board.

Furthermore, the offenders namely, Mr. Cadir Bansalao Ganawan, 29 years old and Mr Ronald Larumbe Salutan, 29 years, both residents of Camallan, Davao Occidental, could no longer resist arrest after being surprised upon learning that PCG personnel are onboard on escort and were already caught on actual commission of offense on piracy. 

The apprehended suspects on board MRRV-4404 together with their motorbancas were then brought to Tambler Fishport, Gen Santos.  After coordination with CGS Gensan, the apprehended motorbancas were handed over to them while the alleged perpetrators were turned over to PNP MARIG XII for proper disposition.

Likewise, M/Tug 308 and SSL Barge 08 are now anchored at Maasim Coal Power Plant in Maasim, Sarangani Province with two SOU-SEM onboard as security escorts.