TITAY, Zamboanga Sibugay — Authorities confiscated more than ₱6.4 million worth of illicit cigarettes during a joint law enforcement operation conducted in the municipality of Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay on May 28, 2026.
The operation stemmed from the implementation of a Search Warrant Against Illicit Cigarettes led by the Zamboanga Sibugay Maritime Police Station (ZS MARPSTA), in coordination with personnel from the Regional Special Operations Task Unit of the Regional Maritime Unit 9 (RSOT RMU9), Titay Municipal Police Station (MPS), Regional Intelligence Unit 9 (RIU9), and Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) Zamboanga Sibugay.
Authorities served the search warrant at a warehouse reportedly owned by an adult male suspect. During the operation, law enforcement operatives discovered and confiscated assorted illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of ₱6,418,224.00.
Police said the illegal cigarette trade continues to pose a serious threat to government revenue collection and public welfare, as untaxed tobacco products undermine legitimate businesses and fuel underground criminal operations.
The suspect was immediately taken into police custody following the raid. Authorities confirmed that he was properly informed of his constitutional rights under the Miranda Doctrine and the Anti-Torture Law in a language and dialect fully understood by him.
After the operation, the arrested individual was brought to the Zamboanga Sibugay Maritime Police Station for documentation and proper disposition prior to the filing of appropriate charges for violation of Republic Act 10643, also known as the Graphic Health Warnings Law, along with other possible violations related to the illegal cigarette trade.
Provincial Director PCOL Barnard Danie V. Dasugo commended the operating teams for the successful conduct of the operation and emphasized the Philippine National Police’s intensified campaign against all forms of illegal trade in the province.
“The success of this operation reflects the strong coordination among law enforcement units in combating illicit activities that continue to harm the economy and public order,” Dasugo said.
Authorities have yet to determine the full extent of the warehouse’s operations, including the possible source and distribution network of the confiscated cigarettes. Further investigation is ongoing to identify other individuals who may be involved in the illegal trade.
The crackdown forms part of the government’s broader effort to curb smuggling and illegal tobacco distribution in Mindanao, where authorities have recently intensified operations against contraband products entering local markets.