CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Authorities in Northern Mindanao scored major victories against illegal trade after intercepting nearly PhP480,000 worth of smuggled cigarettes and arresting three individuals in two separate operations in Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte on November 18 and 19, 2025.
On November 18, personnel of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) under the Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office (MOCPPO), together with the Ozamiz City Police Station and the Philippine Coast Guard, conducted routine inspections at the Ozamiz City Seaport in Barangay Baybay Triunfo. An x-ray baggage scan flagged suspicious cargo belonging to alias “Mali,” 37, a tricycle driver from Tangkal, Lanao del Norte, who was reportedly transporting smuggled cigarettes from Munai to Ozamiz City for shipment to Cebu.
Authorities confiscated 150 reams of assorted cigarette brands—80 reams of New Berlin, 50 reams of New Far, and 20 reams of Cannon Menthol—valued at PhP120,000. The seized items are currently secured at the 2nd PMFC headquarters and will be turned over to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) District Office in Ozamiz City for proper disposition.
A day later, on November 19, personnel of the 4th Platoon, 2nd PMFC Lanao del Norte, intercepted more smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Bansarvil 1, Kapatagan. Officers stopped a sedan driven by alias “Sai,” 44, with passenger alias “Ali,” 34. During inspection, police noticed the vehicle’s floor matting was unusually raised. A hidden compartment underneath was found containing a box of suspected smuggled cigarettes.
Confiscated from the vehicle were 450 reams of cigarettes, including 5 master cases of New Far-Red (250 reams), 1 master case of Fort White (50 reams), and 3 master cases of New Berlin Red (150 reams). The haul was estimated at PhP360,000. The suspects and their vehicle were placed under custody of the Kapatagan Municipal Police, while the seized cigarettes will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Iligan City.
PRO10 Regional Director PBGEN Christopher N. Abrahano lauded the operatives for their swift and coordinated actions, underscoring the region’s intensified campaign against smuggling.
“PRO10 is committed to strengthening border control and preventing the circulation of smuggled products across Northern Mindanao. We urge the public to continue providing information that will help authorities stop illegal trade and protect our communities,” Abrahano said.
Police continue to pursue leads to identify the broader network behind the smuggling operations.