In a significant operation against smuggling, the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) successfully intercepted smuggled cigarettes worth approximately PhP17 million in two separate operations conducted on January 19, 2025, in Lanao del Norte and Bukidnon.
First Operation in Lanao del Norte
At around 3:21 AM, personnel from the 1005th Mobile Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB 10), in coordination with the Pantar Municipal Police Station (MPS), flagged down a blue Isuzu Canter truck based on intelligence provided by a reliable informant. The truck, suspected of transporting contraband from Malabang, Lanao del Sur, was found to contain smuggled cigarettes during the inspection.
The driver, identified as alias “Raffy,” a 21-year-old resident of Brgy. Tangcal, Tugaya, Lanao del Sur, was taken into custody. Confiscated items included:
- 82 Master Cases of Canon Cigarettes
- 31 Master Cases of Champion Cigarettes
- 590 Reams of Canon Cigarettes
- 120 Reams of Champion Cigarettes
The total estimated market value of the seized contraband was PhP5,088,000.00. The suspect is currently under the custody of Pantar MPS for documentation and the filing of charges for violations of R.A. 10643 (Government Health Warning Law) and R.A. 8293 (Intellectual Property Code). The confiscated items and the vehicle will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Iligan City for further investigation and proper disposition.
Second Operation in Bukidnon
Later that day, at approximately 2:20 PM, personnel from the Dangcagan Municipal Police Station (MPS) conducted a checkpoint in Purok 1, Brgy. Lourdes, Dangcagan, Bukidnon. This operation led to the apprehension of two individuals, identified by their aliases as “Chris,” a 26-year-old resident of Zamboanga Sibugay, and “Ian,” a 36-year-old resident of Zamboanga City.
The suspects were intercepted while transporting smuggled cigarettes in a truck without the required documentation. According to reports, the contraband originated from Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND), Lanao del Norte, and was en route to Cagayan de Oro City. Seized items included:
- 300 Boxes of Cannon Menthol Cigarettes
- One Aluminum Wing Van Truck
The total market value of the confiscated items was estimated at PhP12,000,000.00. All confiscated items will be turned over to the BOC for proper disposition.
Regional Director’s Statement
PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of PRO10, lauded the dedication and vigilance of the operating units involved in the successful operations.
“We will continue to strengthen our efforts in the fight against smuggling and other illegal activities in Northern Mindanao. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting suspicious activities to help us combat smuggling and other crimes,” he said.
These successful operations highlight the importance of intelligence-driven actions and inter-agency collaboration in addressing smuggling and other illicit activities in the region. PRO10 reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and order while safeguarding public welfare through proactive measures.