CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) scored major gains in its campaign against illicit trade after intercepting almost ₱1.97 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arresting three suspects in two separate operations in the province of Bukidnon from November 27 to 28, 2025.
The first operation unfolded on November 27 in Barangay Lantud, Talakag, when personnel of the Talakag Municipal Police Station flagged down a vehicle at a checkpoint. The driver allegedly attempted to evade police, triggering a hot pursuit in coordination with the 1004th Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB).
The chase ended with the arrest of two suspects identified only as alias “Jun,” 42, a truck driver from Barangay Camaman-an, Cagayan de Oro City, and alias “Al,” 18, from Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City.
Authorities seized 21 boxes of Commando cigarettes valued at ₱840,000, along with 362 reams of the same brand worth ₱289,600, for a total haul of ₱1,129,600. The suspects and the confiscated items have been turned over to Talakag Police for documentation before being handed to the Bureau of Customs.
A day later, on November 28, members of the Bukidnon Provincial Intelligence Unit (BUKPIU), together with Maramag Police and RSOU-10, arrested another suspect in Barangay Maramag. The individual, identified as alias “Ja-ja,” 24, of Quezon, Bukidnon, was initially flagged by an Anti-Smoking Ordinance Enforcer after being caught smoking near the Maramag Bus Terminal while in possession of boxes of suspected smuggled cigarettes.
The team seized an assortment of cigarette brands, including MLB Red and White, ASTRO, D&B, SAN DIEGO, COMMANDO Red, MARVELS, and FORT MENTHOL, with a combined estimated value of ₱839,600. The suspect is currently under the custody of Maramag Police, and charges for violating Republic Act 10643 (Graphic Health Warnings Law) are being readied.
PRO10 Regional Director PBGen. Christopher N. Abrahano lauded the swift coordination and decisive actions of operating units.
“These operations show the firm dedication of our personnel in protecting our communities from illicit trade. I commend the teams for their swift and professional action,” Abrahano said. “PRO10 remains committed to enforcing the law and safeguarding Northern Mindanao. To those engaged in smuggling — this is your warning. We will hold you accountable.”
PRO10 reiterated that intensified efforts against smuggling will continue as part of its broader campaign to protect public safety and uphold lawful commerce across Northern Mindanao.