Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay – A joint COMELEC checkpoint operation conducted by the Tungawan Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the Philippine Marine Corps, in coordination with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Election Officer of Tungawan and the Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Zamboanga City, led to the seizure of smuggled cigarettes worth over PHP 573,000.
The operation took place on April 1, 2025, at approximately 1:30 PM at the Border Checkpoint in San Pedro, Tungawan. Authorities stopped a grayish-blue Toyota Sedan with Plate No. KAT1799, traveling from Zamboanga City to Tungawan. Upon conducting a routine inspection, personnel observed visible reams of cigarettes in the rear portion of the vehicle.
Upon verification, the driver and alleged owner of the vehicle failed to present legal documents for the items, prompting authorities to confiscate 500 reams of smuggled cigarettes. The seizure was conducted under the plain view doctrine and was incidental to a lawful arrest.
The arrested individual was informed of his constitutional rights and the anti-torture law in a language known to him. He was then brought to the Tungawan MPS for the filing of appropriate charges. Meanwhile, the confiscated cigarettes will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs in Zamboanga City for inventory and proper disposition.
PCOL Barnard Danie V. Dasugo emphasized the significance of the operation in curbing illegal activities. “This successful operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to prevent the entry of illegal goods in the province. The COMELEC checkpoint does not only safeguard the integrity of the election period, but it also disrupts illegal activities. We remain relentless in preserving peace and order in the province,” he stated.
Authorities continue to urge the public to report any suspicious activities as they intensify efforts to combat smuggling and other illegal operations within the region.