SOURCE: RPIOPRO10
CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City — Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) successfully intercepted a total of PhP433,300.00 worth of smuggled cigarettes in separate operations conducted from May 15 to 18, 2025, across Northern Mindanao.
On May 15, personnel of Police Station 2, Iligan City Police Office conducted a checkpoint operation at Purok 18-A, C3 Road, Barangay Tomas Cabili, Iligan City, which led to the arrest of two individuals identified as alias “Ramy,” 25, a construction worker, and alias “Romi,” 18, both residents of Agusan del Sur.
Upon inspection, officers found that the vehicle’s front plate was dilapidated and the driver failed to present the Official Receipt (OR) and Certificate of Registration (CR). A closer inspection revealed three reams of Modern brand cigarettes in plain view on the backseat floor. The driver later voluntarily disclosed additional concealed reams under the seat. A total of 298 reams of Modern brand cigarettes were confiscated, with an estimated market value of PhP134,100.00.
Later that day, 2nd Police Mobile Force Company, Lanao del Norte, arrested three individuals during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Bansarvil 1, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte. The suspects—alias “Jul,” 41; “Tony,” 41; and “Alik,” 49, all from Zamboanga City—attempted to evade the checkpoint by making a U-turn. A search of their vehicle uncovered 200 reams of Canon White Menthol cigarettes hidden in the back seat, valued at PhP160,000.00.
On May 17, personnel of Bukidnon 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, in coordination with Quezon MPS, conducted a checkpoint at Overview Patrol Base, Palacapao, Quezon, Bukidnon.
Two suspects, identified as alias “Jib-jib,” 39, and his live-in partner alias “Lyn,” 28, both from Brgy. Mibantang, Quezon, Bukidnon, attempted to flee on a motorcycle with a large basket. Officers gave chase and discovered assorted smuggled cigarettes in the basket.
Confiscated smuggled cigarettes were reams of King, Molton, Modern, Commando (white), Commando (red), and Alpha with a total estimated value of PhP116,000.00.
Finally, on May 18, personnel of Don Carlos Municipal Police Station confiscated 13 reams of Fort Menthol and 16 reams of Commando cigarettes without health warning stickers or valid documentation during an operation in Purok 2, Brgy. Maraymaray, Don Carlos, Bukidnon. The seized items were valued at PhP23,200.00.
All suspects and confiscated items were turned over to the respective police stations for proper documentation and legal proceedings.
PBGEN JAYSEN C. DE GUZMAN, Regional Director of PRO10, praised the operating units for their unwavering dedication to anti-smuggling efforts.
“These operations are part of our intensified campaign against smuggling in the region. The illegal distribution of smuggled cigarettes not only harms our economy but also undermines public health and safety. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and support our campaign against these illegal activities,” he said.
