LAGUINDINGAN, Misamis Oriental – Authorities seized an estimated ₱9.2 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during a law enforcement operation in Purok 3, Barangay Mauswagon, Laguindingan, on Tuesday night, September 10, 2025.
The operation, conducted at around 10:45 p.m. by the Regional Special Operations Unit (RSOU) 10, was led by PCMS Monnil B. Bravo under the direct supervision of PMAJ Gerard Paul P. Duran, RSOU 10 Chief. The team was reinforced by personnel from the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) Misamis Oriental, Laguindingan Municipal Police Station, RSOT, Regional Maritime Unit 10, and Jasaan Maritime Law Enforcement Team.
Authorities acted on a tip from a caretaker of a rented house, who noticed suspicious activity in the area. Upon turning off lights around the property, the caretaker discovered several boxes stacked inside the house, later confirmed to contain large quantities of smuggled cigarettes. He immediately reported the discovery to a PNP contact, prompting a verification operation that led to the seizure.
During the inventory, police confiscated 131 boxes of “Marlboro Gold,” 84 boxes of “Astro,” 5 boxes of “Marlboro Red,” 4 boxes of “Marlboro Menthol,” 3 boxes of “Commissioner,” 1 box each of “Dunston,” “New Castle,” and “D and J” brands.
The seized contraband was brought to the Laguindingan Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for appropriate disposition.
Authorities are now tracking down the individuals behind the storage, transport, and distribution of smuggled cigarettes in Misamis Oriental, warning that intensified operations will continue to combat illegal tobacco trade in the region.