Kalilangan, Bukidnon – The Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to combat smuggling with the successful interception of smuggled cigarettes valued at PhP448,000 during two separate checkpoint operations conducted on January 26, 2025, in Barangay Pamotolon.
The first operation occurred at 3:30 PM when personnel from the Kalilangan Municipal Police Station (MPS), in collaboration with the 1004th Maneuver Company (MC) of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 10, flagged down a Toyota Innova SUV traveling from Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. The vehicle, driven by alias “Maki,” 65, with alias “Indong,” 42, as a passenger, was found loaded with 100 reams of undocumented cigarettes. The contraband included 50 reams of Modern Cigarettes and 50 reams of San Marino Cigarettes, with a total market value of PhP80,000.
Later that evening, at around 6:30 PM, a second operation was conducted by the 1004th MC, RMFB 10, and other allied units. A greenish Gun Metal Mica Metallic Toyota Avanza traveling from Cotabato City was intercepted. The vehicle was driven by alias “Datu,” a 27-year-old resident of Cotabato City, and was found carrying 460 reams of Fort Menthol 100’s cigarettes, valued at PhP368,000.
In both cases, the drivers failed to present legal documents for the transport of the cigarettes. The confiscated items have been turned over to the Kalilangan MPS for proper disposition and will be transferred to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.
PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of PRO10, commended the operating units for their diligence and success in the operations.
“These operations are a testament to PRO10’s relentless dedication to protecting our communities from the adverse effects of illegal activities, especially smuggled products. PRO10 will continue to intensify its efforts, particularly at our checkpoints, to prevent smuggled goods from entering our area of jurisdiction,” he stated.
He also urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any illegal activities to the nearest police station.
The successful operations highlight PRO10’s ongoing campaign against smuggling, underscoring its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region.