KALILANGAN, BUKIDNON — Authorities intercepted a garbage truck loaded with an estimated ₱3 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation conducted by personnel of the 1004th Maneuver Company on Sunday afternoon, November 10, 2025.
The operation took place at around 2:45 p.m. in Sitio Ticub, Barangay Pamotolon, where the truck was flagged down by members of the 1004th Maneuver Company in coordination with the Provincial Intelligence Unit and the Kalilangan Municipal Police Station.
The truck, driven by a 45-year-old man identified only as Amad from Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur, and accompanied by a 38-year-old companion, Malik from Marawi City, was initially believed to be carrying waste materials bound for General Santos City. However, authorities grew suspicious after the driver failed to present valid official receipt and certificate of registration (OR/CR) documents.
A thorough inspection led to the discovery of 75 master cases of San Marino cigarettes concealed in the rear compartment of the garbage truck. The illegal cargo was immediately seized, and the two suspects were placed under arrest.
Police conducted inventory and marking of the confiscated items on-site, witnessed by the suspects and two Barangay Kagawads of Barangay Pamotolon. The seized cigarettes and the vehicle will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, for proper disposition and investigation.
The Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB 10) reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against smuggling and other forms of illicit trade. The unit emphasized that the operation aligns with the focused agenda of Acting PNP Chief PLTGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. and the operational directives of PRO 10 Regional Director PBGEN to curb illegal activities that threaten the nation’s economic security.
Authorities are preparing to file appropriate charges against the suspects while further investigation is underway to trace the origin and intended recipients of the contraband.