CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Authorities have destroyed millions of pesos worth of smuggled cigarettes in a government-led operation aimed at curbing illicit trade and preventing the circulation of illegal tobacco products in Northern Mindanao.
The Department of Justice–National Prosecution Service (DOJ–NPS) Region 10, through the Regional Prosecutor’s Office, carried out the destruction of seized cigarettes on February 4, 2026, at the Digama Warehouse in Zone 6, Barangay Bayabas, this city.
According to officials, the confiscated items originated from separate operations conducted by the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor (OPP) of Lanao del Norte and the Office of the City Prosecutor (OCP) of Iligan City. A total of 209,468 packs of illicit cigarettes were condemned and destroyed during the activity.
From Lanao del Norte alone, authorities disposed of 375 master cases, 2,185 reams, and 118 packs, while the Iligan City prosecutor’s office destroyed 868 reams and 553 packs. These were part of previous seizures in anti-smuggling operations targeting the illegal entry and distribution of tobacco products in the region.
Senior Assistant Regional Prosecutor Joseph Edwardsam A. Eullaran said the destruction was conducted to ensure the proper and lawful disposition of confiscated goods.
“This activity was undertaken to prevent potential misuse, pilferage, or unauthorized circulation of seized contraband, in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations,” Eullaran said.
He added that the public destruction of the cigarettes reflects the DOJ’s commitment to transparency and accountability in handling evidence and confiscated items.
“The destruction underscores our continuing commitment to support enforcement efforts against illicit trade by ensuring that seized goods are disposed of in a lawful and transparent manner,” he stressed.
Eullaran was joined during the activity by Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Diosdado C. Español of Lanao del Norte, Iligan City Prosecutor’s Office Administrator Franz Kenneth Y. Albulario, and Lanao del Norte Provincial Prosecutor’s Office Administrator Waidah Boriongan.
Officials noted that smuggled and untaxed cigarettes pose serious risks not only to government revenue but also to public health, as these products often bypass quality and safety regulations. The illegal tobacco trade also undermines legitimate businesses and fuels organized criminal activities.
The destruction operation forms part of the government’s broader campaign against smuggling, tax evasion, and the proliferation of illegal goods in the market.
DOJ–NPS Region 10 reiterated that it will continue working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that seized contraband is promptly and properly disposed of, in line with legal procedures.
Authorities also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any information related to illegal trading and smuggling activities to concerned agencies.
“The cooperation of the community is vital in protecting public safety and ensuring that illegal products are removed from circulation,” the DOJ said.
With the latest destruction, prosecutors hope to send a strong message that the government remains firm in its resolve to crack down on illicit trade and safeguard both public welfare and national revenue.