CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City – Authorities successfully confiscated alleged smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation conducted by personnel of the 1004th Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB 10), in coordination with the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) Bukidnon and Talakag Municipal Police Station. The operation took place in Barangay Tagbak, Talakag, Bukidnon, on March 6, 2025.
Police personnel flagged down a blackish-red mica Toyota Innova driven by a suspect identified as alias “Mintoy,” a 24-year-old resident of Barangay 9, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. The vehicle was traveling from Marawi City, Lanao del Norte, to Valencia City, Bukidnon.
Upon plain view inspection, operatives discovered 10 reams of FORT cigarettes inside the vehicle, which were believed to be smuggled. This led to the immediate confiscation of the cigarettes and the vehicle. Authorities estimated the market value of the seized cigarettes at PhP400,000.00.
The suspect was taken to the Talakag Municipal Police Station for documentation, while the confiscated items, including the smuggled cigarettes and the vehicle, will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, for proper disposition.
PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10), lauded the operatives for their dedication to combating illicit trade.
“The interception of these smuggled cigarettes is a testament to our intensified efforts in curbing illicit trade. I commend our personnel for their vigilance and dedication in keeping Northern Mindanao safe from these illegal activities,” he stated.
PRO10 urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to smuggling and other illegal operations to help maintain peace and order in the region.
