CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 24, 2025 — Authorities from Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) intercepted over ₱1.3 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental on Tuesday night.
The operation, which took place at around 10:30 PM in Purok 3, Barangay Binakalan, was spearheaded by the 1st Maneuver Platoon of the 1001st Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB 10), in coordination with the Gingoog City Police Station, Regional Special Operations Unit 10 (RSOU 10), and the RMFB 10 Intelligence Section.
Authorities flagged down a white ISUZU Forward Ref Van Truck driven by a 53-year-old man from Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur, identified only by the alias “Gin.” He was accompanied by a 19-year-old companion, alias “JM,” from Gitagum, Misamis Oriental.
Upon inspection, police discovered the vehicle was loaded with a large quantity of smuggled cigarettes. Confiscated from the truck were 486 reams of Delta brand, 868 reams of Cannon Menthol brand, and 377 reams of Champion brand cigarettes, with a combined market value of ₱1,384,800.
The seized contraband, along with 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 PRO10, lauded the operation and the coordination between the units involved.
“I commend the coordinated efforts of our maneuver forces, intelligence operatives, and local police. PRO10 will continue to reinforce its checkpoints and conduct law enforcement operations to protect our borders and ensure that violators are held accountable,” he said.
PRO10 reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and order in the region through intensified anti-smuggling and criminality prevention efforts.