MATANAO, Davao del Sur — Authorities dealt a significant blow to illegal cigarette trade in southern Mindanao after police operatives seized more than ₱1.25 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested a suspect during a late-night operation on April 22, 2026.
The operation, carried out in Barangay Camanchiles, was led by the Regional Special Operations Group 11 (RSOG 11) under the Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11), in coordination with the Matanao Municipal Police Station. It resulted in the confiscation of 25 master cases and 39 packs of assorted brands of suspected illicit cigarettes with a total estimated market value of ₱1,253,900.
Police said the successful operation stemmed from sustained surveillance initially targeting violations of Republic Act 10591. However, the intelligence-driven effort uncovered a parallel illegal cigarette operation, prompting immediate enforcement action.
Authorities ensured strict compliance with operational protocols, with all confiscated items properly marked and inventoried at the scene in the presence of the suspect and a barangay official, reinforcing transparency and adherence to standard procedures.
The arrested individual, whose identity has yet to be publicly disclosed, is now under the custody of the Matanao Municipal Police Station. Meanwhile, the seized contraband has been turned over to appropriate authorities for proper disposition and the filing of charges.
Police Regional Office 11 Director Leon Victor Z. Rosete lauded the operating units for their swift and coordinated action, underscoring the operation as part of a broader crackdown on illegal economic activities.
“Operations like this send a strong message that illegal trade will not be tolerated in our communities,” Rosete said, emphasizing intensified law enforcement efforts aligned with the directive of Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr..
He added that the police force remains committed to strengthening intelligence-driven operations to ensure offenders are brought to justice while protecting the region’s economic stability.
PRO 11 reiterated its assurance to the public that it will sustain proactive measures against illegal trade and other forms of economic sabotage, as part of its mandate to maintain peace and order across Davao Region.