Claver, Surigao del Norte – May 18, 2025 — Two male suspects from Butuan City were arrested in Barangay Cagdianao, Claver, Surigao del Norte in a law enforcement operation led by the Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office (SDNPPO) for violating Republic Act No. 10643, also known as the Graphic Health Warning Law.
The suspects, both 29-year-old married males residing in Port Poyohon and Ong Yiu, Butuan City, were apprehended around 2:50 a.m. by the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the SDNPPO. The operation was carried out under the leadership of Police Colonel Warren E. Dablo, Provincial Director of SDNPPO.
Authorities confiscated a large cache of illegal tobacco products during the operation, including four cases of Delta cigarettes worth approximately Php72,000.00; three cases of Casa Blanca cigarettes valued at Php54,000.00; and thirty-three cases of Cannon Menthol cigarettes with an estimated value of Php595,000.00. Also seized was a six-wheeler Isuzu Canter panel truck bearing plate number RLK 770, which was reportedly used to transport the contraband.
“This is a significant blow to smuggling activities in the province. The SDN PNP will remain relentless in our campaign to protect our borders and apprehend violators. I commend the effort and dedication of our police personnel in tracking these illegal activities. Your hard work will always contribute to the safety and security of all Surigaonons,” PD Dablo said in a statement.
The confiscated items and the arrested individuals are currently under the custody of the Provincial Intelligence Unit for proper disposition. All seized evidence was properly marked and tagged on-site, with a barangay official from Cagdianao present to witness the process.
R.A. 10643 mandates that all tobacco product packages must carry graphic health warnings to inform and protect the public from the harmful effects of smoking. The law prohibits the sale, distribution, or transport of tobacco products that fail to comply with this requirement.
Authorities are preparing charges against the suspects as investigations continue.