STA. MARIA, Davao Occidental — Authorities arrested three vendors during a joint buy-bust operation targeting the illegal sale of smuggled cigarettes without graphic health warnings at the public market of Barangay Poblacion, Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental, on Thursday afternoon, February 6, 2026.
The operation was conducted at around 5:10 p.m. by personnel led by Police Major Honor Rey B. Hibaya, Officer-in-Charge of the Sta. Maria Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Davao Occidental Field Unit, which served as the lead unit.
The suspects, identified by their aliases “Queen,” “Zel,” and “Bel,” were apprehended in separate stalls inside the public market where they were allegedly selling smuggled cigarettes that did not bear the required graphic health warnings, in violation of Republic Act 10643, also known as the Graphic Health Warnings Law.
Seized from the suspects were various brands of cigarettes lacking the mandatory health warning labels, along with marked money and other buy-bust items used during the operation. The confiscated items were estimated to be worth a total of ₱118,550.00.
Following their arrest, the three vendors were informed of their constitutional rights in a language known to them and were subsequently brought to the CIDG Davao Occidental Field Unit for proper documentation, investigation, and disposition. Authorities confirmed that appropriate charges are being prepared against the suspects in accordance with existing laws.
Police officials emphasized that the illegal sale of smuggled cigarettes not only violates national regulations but also poses serious health risks to consumers and deprives the government of much-needed revenue from taxes and duties.
Major Hibaya lauded the successful coordination between law enforcement agencies and underscored the importance of sustained operations against illegal trade.
“This operation reflects our firm commitment to protect public health and uphold the rule of law. We will continue to intensify our efforts against all forms of illegal activities in our municipality,” he said.
The Sta. Maria Municipal Police Station also called on the public to remain vigilant and to actively cooperate with authorities by reporting suspicious and unlawful activities in their communities.
Police assured residents that similar operations will be carried out in the coming months as part of their ongoing campaign to curb smuggling, illicit trade, and other criminal activities in Davao Occidental.