Cagayan de Oro City – Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) continues to intensify its campaign against illegal trade, following two successful operations in Bukidnon that led to the confiscation of around ₱294,600 worth of smuggled cigarettes on October 25 and 26, 2025.
The first operation occurred at around 6:17 p.m. on October 25 in Sitio Lantion, Purok 14, Barangay Lumbo, Valencia City, where personnel of the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) of Valencia City Police Station conducted an intensified anti-smuggling operation. Upon arrival, the suspect identified as alias “Ato” managed to flee, leaving behind assorted boxes of smuggled cigarettes.
Confiscated items included two boxes of red Bravo cigarettes (100 reams), one box of green Marbles cigarettes (50 reams), one box of green United cigarettes (50 reams), one box of green Royals cigarettes (50 reams), and 18 reams of green Stone cigarettes. The seized items were valued at approximately ₱214,600 and are now under the custody of the Valencia City Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.
A separate operation was conducted the following day, October 26, at around 8:50 a.m. in Forchacu 4, Barangay Malinao, Kalilangan, Bukidnon, by personnel of the 1004th MC, 3rd Platoon Bravo, RMFB10, together with PIU Bukidnon and Kalilangan Municipal Police Station.
Authorities intercepted a violet-and-black Suzuki van (plate number MBJ 7468) driven by alias “Cesar,” 28, a resident of Lumbo, Valencia City. Confiscated from the vehicle were one transparent cellophane bag containing 50 reams of assorted smuggled cigarettes and one blue cellophane bag containing 50 reams of Commando cigarettes, amounting to ₱80,000 in estimated value. The smuggled items were reportedly being transported from Marawi City to Valencia City.
The seized cigarettes and vehicle will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental for proper investigation and disposition.
PBGEN Christopher N. Abrahano, Acting Regional Director of PRO10, commended the swift actions of the operating units and reiterated the police force’s steadfast commitment to curbing smuggling activities across Northern Mindanao.
“Our operations reflect PRO10’s firm stance in protecting the livelihood of legitimate industries and shielding communities from illegal trade. We will persistently run after those who smuggle goods and escape their legal responsibilities. Walang makakalusot sa batas,” said Abrahano.
He also called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or illegal activities in their areas.
“We count on the public’s cooperation. Sama-sama nating labanan ang smuggling para sa mas maunlad at mas ligtas na rehiyon,” he added.
The recent operations underscore PRO10’s continuing efforts to suppress smuggling and uphold economic integrity in Northern Mindanao.