ZAMBOANGA CITY — In a sweeping two-day crackdown during the first week of July 2025, Police Regional Office 9 (PRO 9) intensified its campaign against smuggling in the Zamboanga Peninsula, resulting in the confiscation of smuggled cigarettes worth an estimated ₱435,000.
Under the leadership of Police Brigadier General Roel C. Rodolfo, Regional Director of PRO 9, joint intelligence and checkpoint operations conducted on July 2 and 3 yielded significant results in two barangays of Zamboanga City.
First Operation: Talon-Talon, Zamboanga City
Around 12:00 AM on July 3, operatives from Zamboanga City Police Station 6, in collaboration with the 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company and the Bureau of Customs Region 9, conducted a joint operation at Hawaii Drive, Barangay Talon-Talon.
Authorities caught several unidentified individuals unloading suspected smuggled cigarettes. The suspects fled in various directions upon sensing police presence, leaving behind 10 master cases of Blackhawk cigarettes, with an estimated market value of ₱150,000.
The seized contraband was secured and will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper inventory and legal disposition.
Second Operation: Manicahan, Zamboanga City
At approximately 11:25 PM on July 2, a separate checkpoint operation was staged along MCLL Highway in Barangay Manicahan. The joint operation included personnel from the Zamboanga City Police Stations 3 and 4, Criminal Investigation and Detection Management Unit – Station Investigation Unit, the Philippine Air Force’s 3012th Air Intelligence and Security Squadron, Tactical Operations Wing Western Mindanao, 530th Air Base Group, and 723rd Special Operations Wing.
Authorities intercepted an Isuzu Elf truck loaded with 950 reams of San Marino cigarettes, valued at approximately ₱285,000.
Three individuals were arrested during the operation:
- A 34-year-old male from Barangay Kasanyangan, Zamboanga City
- A 37-year-old male from Luuk, Jolo
- A 36-year-old male from San Raymundo, Jolo, Sulu
The suspects, vehicle, and confiscated goods were turned over to the Bureau of Customs Region 9 for appropriate legal actions.
A Message from PRO 9 Leadership
“This accomplishment demonstrates the effectiveness of our intelligence-led operations and our unwavering resolve to dismantle illicit trade in the region. Let this serve as a stern warning to those involved in smuggling activities—we are vigilant, and we will take action,” said PBGen Roel C. Rodolfo.
PRO 9 reaffirmed its commitment to suppress illegal trade in the region and called on the public to continue supporting law enforcement efforts to safeguard peace, order, and economic stability in Western Mindanao.