TUNGAWAN, Zamboanga Sibugay — Authorities intercepted a vehicle carrying a large quantity of smuggled cigarettes during a routine checkpoint operation at the Border Control Point in Barangay San Pedro, Tungawan, on October 13, 2025.
At around 4:00 p.m., personnel of the Zamboanga Sibugay 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (ZSB 2nd PMFC), under the supervision of PMAJ Brent Ian S. Salazar, Officer-in-Charge, conducted the checkpoint in coordination with the Tungawan Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) of the ZSB Provincial Police Office (PPO).
Law enforcement personnel flagged down a white Chevrolet Colorado with plate number LHK 820, which was found to be loaded with 350 reams of smuggled Union cigarettes. Based on the Bureau of Customs’ standard pricing, the seized contraband has an estimated market value of ₱400,771.
The driver failed to present legal documents supporting the transport of the goods, prompting the police to confiscate the cigarettes and the vehicle. Two male suspects were arrested at the scene. Proper inventory and documentation were conducted, and the suspects were informed of their constitutional rights and the provisions of the Anti-Torture Act in a language they understood.
Both the apprehended individuals and the confiscated items were turned over to Tungawan MPS for documentation and eventual turnover to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition and filing of charges.
In a statement, PCOL Barnard Danie V. Dasugo, Provincial Director of Zamboanga Sibugay PPO, commended the operating units for their dedication to the province’s anti-smuggling drive.
“Our campaign to curb smuggling remains persistent. I commend the 2nd PMFC, PIU ZSBPPO, and Tungawan MPS for this successful operation and the community for providing valuable information. Let us continue to collaborate and protect our local economy. Our collective responsibility is critical to the maintenance of peace and order in Zamboanga Sibugay,” he said.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to intensify operations against smuggling and other illegal activities, emphasizing that such efforts are crucial to safeguarding the province’s economy and ensuring public safety.