GINGOOG CITY, Misamis Oriental — Authorities confiscated an estimated ₱13.4 million worth of alleged counterfeit cigarettes and arrested seven individuals during a large-scale anti-illicit tobacco operation conducted in Barangay San Luis, Gingoog City, on July 12, 2026, dealing another significant blow to the illegal tobacco trade in Northern Mindanao.
The operation, carried out from 3:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., was spearheaded by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Misamis Oriental/Camiguin Provincial Field Unit, in coordination with the Provincial Intelligence Team–Misamis Oriental, the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) of Misamis Oriental, and territorial police units.
The law enforcement operation was conducted for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, and Republic Act No. 10643, also known as the Graphic Health Warnings Law.
Seven Suspects Arrested
According to a report submitted to CIDG Director PMGEN Robert AA Morico II, authorities arrested seven suspects—six males and one female, all of legal age. The suspects are residents of Iligan City, Sulu, Surigao del Norte, Zamboanga, and Pagadian City.
Investigators said the suspects were allegedly caught in possession, control, and transport of cigarettes that reportedly did not bear the mandatory graphic health warnings required under Philippine law and were allegedly counterfeit products bearing trademarks and brand names without the authorization of their legitimate owners.
The suspects are now facing appropriate charges for alleged violations of the country’s intellectual property and tobacco packaging laws.
₱13.4 Million Worth of Alleged Counterfeit Cigarettes Recovered
Authorities recovered a total of 335 master cases of assorted alleged counterfeit cigarettes with an estimated market value of ₱13,400,000.
Among the brands seized were:
- Canon Menthol
- Green Hills
- Bosqu
- Casablanca
- Champion
- Castorce
Police also impounded three vehicles allegedly used in transporting the illicit tobacco products.
The seized cigarettes and vehicles are now under police custody pending documentation and further legal proceedings.
Operation Triggered by PMFTC Complaint
Authorities said the successful operation stemmed from intelligence information provided by Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) regarding the alleged transport of counterfeit or trademark-infringing cigarettes in Barangay San Luis, Gingoog City.
The information prompted law enforcement agencies to conduct surveillance and eventually launch the coordinated operation that led to the arrests and seizure of the suspected illegal products.
CIDG: Protecting Consumers and Legitimate Businesses
CIDG Director PMGEN Robert AA Morico II stressed that the government remains committed to protecting consumers from unfair trade practices, particularly the proliferation of counterfeit products that undermine legitimate businesses and pose potential health risks.
He emphasized that the State has a constitutional obligation to safeguard the welfare of the public by ensuring that consumer goods comply with existing laws and quality standards.
Morico also underscored the importance of Republic Act No. 10643, which requires all tobacco products sold in the country to carry highly visible, picture-based graphic health warnings designed to educate consumers on the harmful effects of smoking.
According to the CIDG, tobacco products that fail to comply with these legal requirements not only violate the law but also deprive consumers of vital health information intended to help them make informed decisions.
CIDG Commends Operating Units
The CIDG leadership commended PLTCOL Jerome Jay S. Ragonton, Officer-in-Charge of the CIDG Regional Field Unit 10, along with the CIDG Misamis Oriental/Camiguin Provincial Field Unit headed by PMAJ Dan Junson V. Espinosa, for the successful implementation of the operation.
Officials described the operation as another demonstration of the agency’s intensified campaign against the manufacture, transport, and distribution of illicit tobacco products nationwide.
Sustained Campaign Against Counterfeit Goods
The CIDG reiterated that it remains steadfast in enforcing laws protecting intellectual property rights and ensuring that consumers are shielded from counterfeit and substandard products circulating in the market.
Authorities likewise warned individuals and groups engaged in the illegal tobacco trade that intensified intelligence gathering and law enforcement operations will continue as part of the government’s broader campaign against economic sabotage, intellectual property violations, and illicit commercial activities.
The agency encouraged the public and legitimate trademark owners to continue reporting suspected counterfeit products and illegal trading activities to help strengthen enforcement efforts and protect both consumers and lawful businesses across the country.