VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon — Authorities confiscated an estimated Php200,000 worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes abandoned at the public market in Barangay Poblacion, Valencia City, Bukidnon on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Personnel of the Valencia City Police Station, led by Chief of Police 𝐏𝐋𝐓𝐂𝐎𝐋 𝐁𝐑𝐘𝐀𝐍 𝐌. 𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐁𝐀𝐍, immediately responded after receiving reports regarding the presence of suspected illegal tobacco products left in the area.
Upon verification and inspection, police discovered five cartons containing various brands of cigarettes believed to have been smuggled into the country.
Authorities said the confiscated items included two boxes containing 100 reams of Modern brand cigarettes and three boxes containing 150 reams of Red Commando brand cigarettes.
Investigators estimated the total market value of the seized cigarettes at approximately Php200,000.
No individual immediately claimed ownership of the abandoned contraband, and police have yet to identify the persons responsible for leaving the illegal products at the public market.
The confiscated cigarettes are currently under the custody of the case investigator and are set to be turned over to the City Health Office of Valencia City for proper disposition and documentation in accordance with existing regulations.
Police officials stressed that smuggled cigarettes continue to pose serious concerns due to lost government revenues, unfair competition against legitimate businesses, and possible health risks to consumers because such products often bypass regulatory inspections and tax requirements.
In a statement, PCOL Navales commended the responding police personnel for their swift action and vigilance in preventing the circulation of illegal tobacco products in the city.
“I commend the Valencia City Police Station for their prompt response and successful confiscation of the suspected smuggled cigarettes. This accomplishment reflects the PNP’s continuing commitment to intensify efforts against illegal trade and protect the public from unlawful products. We encourage the community to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activities to the authorities,” Navales said.
Authorities are now conducting further investigation to determine the source and intended distribution of the seized cigarettes as part of ongoing anti-smuggling and anti-illegal trade operations in Bukidnon.