PIGCAWAYAN, Cotabato — A coordinated law enforcement operation led by the Pigcawayan Municipal Police Station (MPS) resulted in the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of approximately ₱2.65 million worth of illicit and smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint and hot pursuit operation in Pigcawayan, Cotabato on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
The operation began at around 1:30 p.m. at a police checkpoint in Barangay South Manuangan, where authorities flagged down a white Isuzu Forward cargo truck for routine inspection.
During the inspection, law enforcement personnel observed in plain view a master case of undocumented “Berlin” brand cigarettes inside the vehicle. Instead of complying with authorities, the truck driver allegedly sped away from the checkpoint, prompting police officers to immediately launch a hot pursuit operation.
The chase ended with the successful interception of the vehicle in Barangay North Manuangan, leading to the arrest of the truck’s occupants.
Authorities identified the suspects only by their aliases “Gadol,” a 30-year-old driver, and “Kadit,” an 18-year-old truck helper. Both are residents of Cotabato and nearby areas.
A thorough search of the intercepted truck uncovered a substantial stockpile of smuggled tobacco products, including 43 master cases of Berlin cigarettes and 950 reams of Fort Menthol cigarettes. Authorities estimated the total value of the confiscated contraband at ₱2,652,608.00.
The cargo truck used in transporting the illegal goods was also seized as part of the operation.
Police said the inventory, marking, and documentation of the seized evidence were conducted in the presence of barangay officials and a representative from the Bureau of Customs to ensure transparency and compliance with legal procedures.
The confiscated cigarettes and impounded vehicle were subsequently brought to the Pigcawayan Municipal Police Station for proper disposition, documentation, and the filing of appropriate criminal charges against the suspects.
Authorities noted that the operation forms part of the government’s intensified campaign against smuggling activities, which continue to deprive the state of significant tax revenues while adversely affecting legitimate businesses and lawful trade.
Acting Provincial Director PCOL Ramel B. Hojilla of the Cotabato Police Provincial Office lauded the operating personnel for their swift and professional response.
“Ang matagumpay na operasyong ito ay patunay ng ating walang humpay na kampanya laban sa smuggling at iba pang ilegal na gawain. Pinupuri ko ang mga tauhan ng Pigcawayan MPS sa kanilang maagap at propesyonal na pagkilos. Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang pagpapatupad ng batas upang mapanatili ang kaayusan at maprotektahan ang interes ng mamamayan,” Hojilla said.
Police are conducting further investigations to determine the source and intended destination of the smuggled cigarettes, as well as identify other individuals who may be involved in the illegal distribution network.
The latest seizure underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies in Mindanao to curb the transport and sale of untaxed tobacco products and dismantle smuggling operations that continue to operate across various parts of the region.