LANAO DEL SUR — Authorities seized more than ₱1.4 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes following a high-speed pursuit triggered by an anti-criminality checkpoint in the province, police officials reported.
Personnel of the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (LDSPPO), operating under the campaign of the Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR), intercepted the illegal shipment during a checkpoint operation on February 14, 2025, in Barangay Porug, Pualas.
The operation was conducted by the 2nd Platoon of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company when six unidentified vehicles attempted to evade inspection upon approaching the checkpoint. Their sudden flight prompted authorities to launch a hot pursuit that extended to Barangay Matling, Malabang.
Through coordinated efforts with the Malabang Municipal Police Station, law enforcement officers were able to intercept one navy blue Toyota Revo. The driver reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot toward an unknown direction, managing to escape arrest.
A plain-view inspection of the abandoned vehicle led to the discovery of a large volume of suspected smuggled cigarettes, consisting of:
- 1,600 reams of Greenhill
- 35 reams of Port
- 35 reams of Casablanca
In total, 1,670 reams of cigarettes were recovered, with an estimated market value of ₱1,427,850.00.
Police authorities said the confiscated vehicle and contraband are currently under the custody of the Malabang Municipal Police Station for documentation and case build-up. The seized items will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition, with the final inventory to be conducted in coordination with the LDSPPO and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group – BAR.
An in-depth investigation is now underway to identify the individuals behind the smuggling operation and to trace the origin and intended destination of the illegal goods. Authorities are also working to locate and apprehend the fleeing suspect.
Meanwhile, PRO BAR Regional Director Jaysen C. de Guzman praised the operating units for their vigilance and swift response.
“This accomplishment demonstrates the dedication and vigilance of our field units in curbing smuggling activities. We will continue to strengthen checkpoint operations and inter-agency coordination to safeguard government revenues and maintain peace and order in the region,” De Guzman said in a statement.
Police officials stressed that the interception highlights the crucial role of sustained checkpoint operations in disrupting smuggling networks, which deprive the government of vital revenues and fuel other criminal activities. Authorities vowed to intensify similar operations across the Bangsamoro region as part of their continuing campaign against organized crime and illegal trade.