Camp Gallego, Tubod, Lanao del Norte – May 15, 2025 — A routine checkpoint operation led by the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) resulted in the interception of a vehicle allegedly transporting smuggled cigarettes in Barangay Bansarvil 1, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte.
At around 9:20 PM, personnel from the 4th Maneuver Platoon flagged down a metallic silver Toyota RAV4 with plate number KBB 9482 during an anti-criminality operation. The vehicle, traveling from Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND) towards Kapatagan, attempted to evade the checkpoint by making a U-turn—prompting authorities to act swiftly.
Inside the vehicle were three male individuals, all married. The driver, 41, is a resident of Barangay Mampang, Zamboanga City. His two companions, aged 41 and 49, are from Barangay Baliwasan, Zamboanga City, and Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, respectively. Both passengers are reportedly unemployed.
A subsequent search revealed four cases of suspected smuggled Canon White Menthol cigarettes openly placed on the back seat. Each case contained 50 reams, totaling 200 reams with an estimated market value of Php 160,000.
Barangay officials from Bansarvil 1 were called to witness the seizure and inventory of the contraband, in accordance with standard procedures.
The suspects were apprised of their constitutional rights in a language they understood. The confiscated cigarettes and the vehicle were turned over to the Kapatagan Municipal Police Station for documentation and safekeeping. The suspects are currently under police custody pending further investigation.
PCOL Roy A. Magsalay, Provincial Director of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (LDN PPO), lauded the swift action of his personnel.
“This operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to eradicating illegal activities, particularly smuggling. We will continue to intensify enforcement efforts and urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities,” Magsalay stated.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the origin and intended destination of the contraband, as well as possible connections to larger smuggling operations.