MIDSAYAP, Cotabato — Authorities intercepted more than ₱2.82 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested two individuals after they allegedly attempted to evade a police checkpoint in Barangay Sadaan, Midsayap, Cotabato, on July 23, 2026.
The successful operation was carried out through a joint effort by personnel of the Midsayap Municipal Police Station (MPS), 2nd Cotabato Provincial Mobile Force Company (CPMFC), Regional Intelligence Division 12 (RID-12), and the Highway Patrol Group–North Cotabato Highway Patrol Team (HPG-NCHPT) as part of intensified anti-smuggling and law enforcement operations in the region.
The arrested suspects were identified only by their aliases “Toto,” 48, and “Dindo,” 25.
According to police, the suspects allegedly ignored the directives of checkpoint personnel and attempted to flee, triggering a brief pursuit by the operating teams. Authorities were able to intercept the vehicles shortly afterward.
A subsequent plain-view inspection of the vehicles led to the discovery of 3,300 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes with an estimated market value of ₱2,823,810.00. The law enforcement team also confiscated the two vehicles allegedly used in transporting the illegal goods.
The suspects were immediately taken into police custody and are facing charges for Violation of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code (Resistance and Disobedience to a Person in Authority), as well as Violation of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
Police said the appropriate criminal complaints are currently being prepared for filing before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
The seizure forms part of the Philippine National Police’s continuing campaign to curb the proliferation of smuggled tobacco products, which deprive the government of tax revenues and undermine legitimate businesses.
Acting Police Regional Office 12 Director PBGEN Alan B. Manibog commended the operating units for the successful interdiction, emphasizing the regional police force’s unwavering commitment to suppressing smuggling and other illegal activities.
“Hindi natin palalampasin ang anumang uri ng smuggling na sumisira sa ating ekonomiya at lumalabag sa batas. Mananatiling mahigpit ang ating mga checkpoint at law enforcement operations upang maprotektahan ang publiko at matiyak na mananagot ang mga lumalabag sa batas,” Manibog said.
The operation underscores PRO-12’s intensified checkpoint enforcement and intelligence-driven operations aimed at intercepting the transport of illicit goods across the region, while reinforcing efforts to hold individuals involved in smuggling activities accountable under the law.