Damulog, Bukidnon—A checkpoint operation conducted by the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) on January 20, 2024, led to the confiscation of smuggled cigarettes valued at approximately P7.92 million. The operation took place in Barangay Omonay and involved multiple police units.



At around 3:20 PM, the 1003rd Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10, coordinated with the Damulog Municipal Police Station, the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, the Provincial Intelligence Unit of Bukidnon PPO, and the Regional Special Operations Unit 10 to intercept a white Isuzu delivery truck. During the routine inspection, the driver, identified as alias “Junel,” 35, and his helper, alias “Ronie,” 22, both from Pagadian City, failed to present the required documents for their cargo. A subsequent search revealed master cases of smuggled cigarettes without health warning stickers.
Seized Items:
- 35 master cases of White Delta Menthol
- 19 master cases of Modern cigarettes
- 125 master cases of Delta Red
- 19 master cases of Cannon Menthol
- One white Isuzu delivery truck
Initial investigations indicated that the cigarettes originated from Pagadian City and were intended for delivery to Maramag, Bukidnon. Authorities also discovered that the driver had previously been apprehended in Digos, Davao, for a similar offense involving smuggled cigarettes.
The confiscated goods have been valued at approximately P7,920,000, based on price estimates provided by the Bureau of Customs. The suspects are now in the custody of the Damulog Municipal Police Station, while the seized cigarettes will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition.
PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of PRO10, commended the successful operation and reiterated the police force’s dedication to combating smuggling and other illegal activities in Northern Mindanao.
“I laud the vigilance of our personnel in ensuring that no illicit cargo slips past our checkpoints. Let this be a warning to those engaged in smuggling activities—we will continue to enforce the law and protect the welfare of our communities,” he stated.
PBGEN De Guzman also urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through PRO10’s hotline.