Cagayan de Oro City – Personnel from the 51st Mechanized Company, 5th Mechanized Battalion, Armor Division, Philippine Army, successfully intercepted a vehicle transporting smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint in front of the AFP Patrol Base at Brgy. Rebucon, Nunungan, Lanao del Norte, on February 10, 2025.
The operation led to the arrest of two individuals identified by their aliases as “Boss,” 50 years old, and “James,” 30 years old, both residents of Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte.
Authorities flagged down a Mazda Titan (Bongo) truck, which was initially believed to be transporting sacks of harvested corn. However, upon inspection, personnel discovered smuggled cigarettes hidden among the sacks. The suspects failed to provide the required legal documents for the goods, claiming they were merely acting on behalf of an undisclosed employer.
Confiscated from the suspects’ possession were 16 master cases of New Far (red) containing 800 reams and four cases of New Far (white) containing 200 reams, with a total estimated market value of Php 800,000.00.
The suspects and the seized contraband have been placed under the custody of the Nunungan Municipal Police Station (MPS) in Sitio Bobong, Brgy. Abaga, Nunungan, Lanao del Norte, for proper disposition. Authorities are preparing a case against them for violation of Republic Act No. 10643, also known as the Graphic Health Warnings Law.
PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of PRO 10, commended the successful operation and underscored the significance of stringent measures against illicit trade.
“PRO 10, in coordination with the AFP and other law enforcement agencies, remains steadfast in enforcing the law and curbing smuggling activities across Northern Mindanao. This operation serves as a strong warning to those engaged in the illegal tobacco trade that we will continue to intensify our efforts to hold them accountable,” he stated.
Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any illegal trading activities to help combat smuggling and other illicit operations in the region.
