KAPATAGAN, Lanao del Norte — Prompt police response led to the interception of a vehicle allegedly involved in a robbery-extortion case, resulting in the seizure of smuggled cigarettes valued at more than ₱1.3 million and the recovery of a firearm with ammunition on Tuesday evening, September 23.
According to reports, the Kapatagan Municipal Police Station (KMPS) received a call at around 7:40 p.m. from the Lanao del Norte Provincial Highway Patrol Team (PHPT) in Tubod, alerting them to a silver Toyota Hiace Commuter Van bearing plate number WIR 212. The vehicle was reportedly linked to a robbery-extortion incident and was heading toward Kapatagan.
In response, joint personnel of KMPS and LDN PHPT/HPG-SOT launched a dragnet operation and intercepted the van at around 8:20 p.m. in front of Pensione Jonica, Poblacion, Kapatagan. The vehicle, driven by alias “Mark,” 36, of Barangay Balili, Kapatagan, had one passenger identified as alias “Douglas,” 34, married, an auxiliary of LDN PHPT, and a resident of Ozamiz City.
Upon inspection, authorities discovered 34 master cases of alleged smuggled New Far brand cigarettes inside the van, with an estimated market value of ₱1,360,000. Due to heavy rains, the suspects and the vehicle were brought to the Kapatagan police station for verification.
Further inspection revealed a bag belonging to alias “Douglas” hidden among the cigarette boxes. The bag contained a caliber 9mm pistol (Model 30M) with serial number 1884196, one magazine loaded with 12 live rounds, and 24 additional rounds of ammunition.
Both suspects were immediately arrested, informed of their rights, and the seized items were inventoried in the presence of barangay officials and a media representative. The confiscated cigarettes will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Iligan City, while charges for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act are being prepared for filing at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
PCOL Leo De Leon Sua, Acting Provincial Director of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office, praised the swift coordination of the units involved.
“The success of this operation is a result of timely intelligence sharing and the dedication of our personnel in ensuring the safety and security of our communities. We assure the public that we will continue to intensify our operations to curb criminal activities in the province,” he said.
The suspects, along with the seized van, contraband, and firearm, remain under police custody pending further investigation.