DAVAO DEL SUR, Philippines — Authorities intensified their campaign against illegal tobacco trade, resulting in the arrest of five individuals and the confiscation of an estimated P750,000 worth of alleged illicit cigarettes in two separate operations conducted on April 6 and 8, 2026.
The operations were carried out by joint elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Davao del Sur Provincial Field Unit and the CIDG Regional Field Unit 11 Special Operating Team in the municipalities of Sta. Cruz and Hagonoy.
A report submitted to CIDG Director Police Major General Robert AA Morico II detailed that the first operation took place on April 6 in Barangay Zone 4, Sta. Cruz. Authorities apprehended three male suspects and seized approximately P300,000 worth of cigarettes believed to be illegally sold without the required graphic health warnings and without proper tax payments.
Two days later, on April 8, a follow-up operation was conducted in Barangay Balutakay, Hagonoy, where two additional male suspects were arrested. Law enforcers confiscated an estimated P450,000 worth of alleged illegal cigarettes during the operation.
Authorities said the suspects were engaged in the sale and distribution of cigarette products that failed to comply with government regulations, particularly the absence of mandated graphic health warnings and non-payment of excise taxes.
The CIDG emphasized that these violations undermine both public health and government revenue collection. Under Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, the State aims to protect public health by ensuring that tobacco products carry clear warnings about their harmful effects. The law also seeks to safeguard consumers from substandard and improperly labeled products.
Meanwhile, violations of Republic Act No. 8424, or the Tax Reform Act of 1997, pertain to the non-payment of taxes, which authorities said contributes to economic losses and distorts fair market competition.
All five suspects have been formally charged before the National Prosecution Service for violations of the aforementioned laws.
The CIDG leadership commended the operating units in Davao Region for their successful enforcement actions, highlighting their role in curbing the proliferation of illegal tobacco products in local communities.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage, stressing that such illegal activities not only harm public health but also deprive the government of much-needed revenue.
The CIDG also urged the public to remain vigilant and report the presence of smuggled or illegal tobacco products in their areas, assuring swift action against violators as part of its nationwide enforcement efforts.