MARANTAO, Lanao del Sur – Authorities recovered more than ₱2.18 million worth of allegedly smuggled cigarettes that were abandoned by unidentified individuals attempting to evade an anti-criminality checkpoint in Marantao, Lanao del Sur, early Sunday morning.
According to the Marantao Municipal Police Station (MPS), the recovery operation took place at around 12:55 a.m. on June 28, 2026, along the Diversion Road in Barangay Tacub Pindolonan.
Police said personnel of the Marantao MPS, led by Chief of Police PMAJ Bobby Mario E. Egera, acted on information provided by a barangay kagawad and members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT). The informants reported that several unidentified individuals aboard three vehicles allegedly abandoned numerous cartons of cigarettes before reaching an ongoing anti-criminality checkpoint.
Responding immediately to the report, Marantao MPS officers, together with personnel from the Regional Intelligence Unit-15 (RIU-15) headed by PCAPT Winfield N. Sarmiento, Team Leader of PIT-LDS, proceeded to the area to verify the information.
Upon inspection, authorities discovered 51 boxes of suspected smuggled cigarettes of various brands that had been left behind by the suspects.
Police estimated the total market value of the recovered contraband at ₱2,181,907.50.
The unidentified individuals managed to flee before law enforcement officers arrived, and no arrests were made during the operation. Authorities have launched further investigations to identify and locate the individuals involved and determine the origin and intended destination of the smuggled tobacco products.
The recovered cigarettes were properly inventoried and documented before being transported to the Marantao Municipal Police Station for safekeeping. The items will later be turned over to the appropriate government agency for further investigation and legal disposition in accordance with existing customs and anti-smuggling laws.
Police said the successful recovery underscores the importance of community cooperation, citing the timely information provided by local officials and BPAT members, which enabled authorities to intercept the suspected smuggled goods.
The Marantao Municipal Police Station reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying anti-smuggling operations and strengthening law enforcement efforts to combat the illegal trade of untaxed tobacco products. Officials emphasized that such operations are essential in protecting government revenues, promoting fair trade, and maintaining peace, order, and public safety throughout the municipality.