SOURCE: RPIO PRO10
CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City – Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) has successfully confiscated over PhP103.4 million worth of smuggled cigarettes from January 1 to June 22, 2025 — a significant increase compared to the PhP14.5 million seized during the same period last year.
A total of 111 anti-smuggling operations were conducted across Northern Mindanao in 2025, significantly higher than the 24 operations carried out in 2024.
The largest confiscations were recorded by the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (PPO) with PhP31.3 million, followed by the Misamis Oriental PPO with PhP27.6 million, and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 10 with PhP22.4 million. In the areas of Lanao del Norte and RMFB 10, smuggled cigarettes were frequently intercepted at border control points, underscoring the effectiveness of PRO10’s intensified checkpoint strategies.
PBGEN ROLINDO M SUGUILON, Regional Director, PRO10, attributed this success to the intensified enforcement initiatives and inter-agency coordination with the Bureau of Customs, Philippine Coast Guard, and local government units.
“This notable increase in operations and confiscations is a clear indicator of our intensified campaign against smuggling activities. I commend the bravery and diligence of our police officers on the ground who work tirelessly to stop these illegal shipments from reaching our markets,” he said.
PBGEN SUGUILON also emphasized that PRO10 will further intensify its efforts in securing border control points across the region. He likewise encouraged public participation in the ongoing campaign against smuggling.
“The fight against smuggling requires the vigilance and cooperation of our communities. I call on the public to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small. Sa tulong ninyo, mas mapapalakas pa natin ang ating kampanya,” he emphasized.
