PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur — Authorities confiscated illegal, smuggled, and counterfeit cigarettes during an enforcement operation conducted by the Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) in Barangay San Salvador, Prosperidad on the afternoon of March 11, 2026.
The operation, carried out at around 3:00 p.m. in Purok 1, Barangay San Salvador, was led by personnel of the Provincial Highway Patrol Team (PHPT) Agusan del Sur under the leadership of PBGEN Jessie B. Tamayao, Acting Director of the Highway Patrol Group.
The activity was conducted in coordination with the Municipal Health Office of Prosperidad, represented by the Municipal Health Officer, and with assistance from barangay officials of Barangay San Salvador. Authorities combined an information dissemination campaign with an intelligence-driven inspection targeting retail establishments allegedly involved in the sale of illicit tobacco products.
During the operation, authorities discovered and confiscated twenty (20) reams of Green Hill cigarettes believed to be smuggled and counterfeit. The seized tobacco products have an estimated market value of ₱6,000.
The cigarettes were found to be in violation of Republic Act No. 10643, also known as the Graphic Health Warnings Law, which mandates that tobacco products sold in the Philippines must carry government-approved graphic health warnings on packaging. Authorities said the confiscated items lacked the required warnings and were suspected to have entered the country through illegal channels.
Instead of facing immediate charges, the store owner—identified only as a male resident of Agusan del Sur—was informed by authorities about the illicit and counterfeit nature of the tobacco products. Following the information dissemination conducted by the operating team, the individual voluntarily surrendered the cigarettes and executed an affidavit of voluntary surrender.
Authorities said the confiscated items were properly documented and accounted for to ensure proper legal processing and disposal.
PBGEN Tamayao underscored the importance of strong collaboration among government agencies and local communities in combating the proliferation of illegal tobacco products.
“The Highway Patrol Group continues to support government efforts in curbing the distribution and sale of illegal tobacco products which undermine public health policies and national revenue laws,” Tamayao said.
Officials noted that the sale of smuggled and counterfeit tobacco products not only violates public health regulations but also deprives the government of significant tax revenues intended for health and development programs.
The PNP-HPG also urged business owners and retailers to strictly comply with laws regulating the sale and distribution of tobacco products. Authorities encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report suspected illegal activities involving smuggled or counterfeit goods.
The Highway Patrol Group reaffirmed its commitment to sustained enforcement operations as part of its broader mandate as the “Guardians of the Highway,” ensuring lawful commerce and protecting communities from illicit trade.