CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City — June 27, 2025 — Authorities from Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) successfully intercepted an estimated ₱760,000.00 worth of smuggled cigarettes during a coordinated law enforcement operation at the Bauyan Border Control Point in Barangay Bauyan, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte on June 26, 2025.
The interception took place around 11:55 a.m. as personnel from the 2nd Platoon of the 1005th Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB10), in partnership with the Sultan Naga Dimaporo Municipal Police Station (SND MPS) and the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (PMFC LDN PPO), conducted a Regional Border Control Checkpoint Operation.
During the inspection, authorities flagged down a metallic gray Toyota Innova believed to be transporting illegal goods. However, before the vehicle could be fully checked, its unidentified driver abruptly abandoned it and fled the scene, avoiding arrest.
A thorough search of the vehicle led to the confiscation of six master cases of White New Far cigarettes, twelve master cases of White Canon cigarettes, and an additional cellophane containing 50 reams of White New Far cigarettes. Authorities estimate the total market value of the seized contraband at ₱760,000.00.
Initial investigation suggests that the smuggled cigarettes originated from Pikong or Piraka in Lanao del Sur and were intended for distribution in Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte.
The confiscated items are currently under the temporary custody of the SND Municipal Police Station and will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Iligan City for proper documentation and disposition.
PBGEN Rolindo M. Suguilon, Regional Director of PRO10, commended the swift and coordinated efforts of the operating units and underscored the regional police’s commitment to combat smuggling.
“This operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to intensify border security measures and prevent the illegal entry of smuggled goods into our region. We commend our personnel for their swift action and encourage the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the authorities,” Suguilon said.
He further emphasized that a manhunt for the fleeing suspect is ongoing and vowed that PRO10 will persist in its efforts to identify and prosecute individuals involved in smuggling and other illegal trade operations.