PIGCAWAYAN, Cotabato — Authorities arrested two individuals and confiscated nearly ₱765,000 worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during a routine checkpoint operation conducted by police operatives in Barangay Central Panatan on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Personnel from the 1203rd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12 (RMFB-12), under the Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12), in coordination with the Pigcawayan Municipal Police Station, intercepted a white Toyota Fortuner at around 12:00 noon while conducting inspection procedures at the checkpoint.
According to authorities, the vehicle was reportedly traveling from Cotabato City and was headed toward Damulog, Bukidnon when it was flagged down for verification.
During the routine inspection, police officers noticed several boxes of cigarettes inside the vehicle that were reportedly visible in plain view, prompting them to conduct a more thorough examination.
The driver and passenger, identified only by their aliases “Mohamad” and “Sheryl,” who were reportedly residents of Cotabato City, were asked by the operatives to present supporting documents or permits authorizing the transport of the cigarettes. However, the suspects failed to provide any legal documentation, raising suspicion that the items were illegally transported.
Authorities immediately placed the two individuals under arrest for the illegal transportation, possession, and unauthorized distribution of suspected smuggled cigarettes, in violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (Republic Act 10863) and the Graphic Health Warnings Law.
An on-site inventory conducted by the seizing officers in the presence of a barangay official resulted in the confiscation of seventeen (17) boxes and forty-four (44) reams of “Fort” brand cigarettes. The seized items have an estimated Bureau of Customs market value of ₱764,977.92.
Police informed the suspects of the nature of their arrest and their constitutional rights before bringing them to the Pigcawayan Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and detention.
Authorities said the confiscated cigarettes will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition, while appropriate criminal charges are currently being prepared for inquest proceedings against the suspects.
Law enforcement officials reiterated their commitment to intensifying checkpoint operations and cracking down on smuggling activities, which continue to affect government revenues and undermine legitimate trade.