CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City – Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) successfully intercepted smuggled cigarettes worth ₱1,773,000 and arrested three individuals during a joint operation at the Regional Border Control Point in Barangay Pamotolon, Kalilangan, Bukidnon, on October 6, 2024.
The operation involved personnel from the 1004th Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB 10) and the Kalilangan Municipal Police Station. Authorities flagged down an Isuzu Elf truck with the plate number KAO 8026, driven by a man identified as alias “Almar,” 28, and accompanied by alias “Alan,” 68, and alias “Nenita,” 64, all residents of Barangay Suarez, Iligan City.
During the routine inspection, officers noticed discrepancies between the truck’s trip ticket and its cargo. A rim of Orleans cigarettes spotted on the front seat raised further suspicion. Upon requesting documentation for the cigarettes, the driver and passengers failed to provide any, leading to the confiscation of the truck and its illegal cargo.
The truck was found to be carrying 59 boxes and 596 rims of various cigarette brands, including Orleans and Greenhills, all valued at approximately ₱1,773,000. The smuggled cigarettes were reportedly transported from Lanao del Norte and were en route to Bukidnon.
The arrested individuals, along with the confiscated items, are now under the custody of Kalilangan Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper legal action.
PRO10 Acting Regional Director, PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, praised the officers for their swift action. “PRO10 will continue to intensify its efforts against smuggling and all illegal activities in the region. I urge everyone to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or PNP hotlines. Together, let us maintain vigilance and cooperation to achieve a progressive Northern Mindanao,” De Guzman stated.
This operation is part of PRO10’s ongoing campaign against smuggling and other illicit activities in the region.
