CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Police authorities in Northern Mindanao intercepted ₱212,000 worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested a 30-year-old man during a checkpoint operation at the Regional Border Control Point (RBCP) in Sitio Forchacu IV, Barangay Malinao, Kalilangan, Bukidnon, on the night of July 12, 2026.
The successful anti-smuggling operation was carried out at approximately 9:30 p.m. by personnel of the 1004th Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB 10) in coordination with the Kalilangan Municipal Police Station, Bukidnon Police Provincial Office, 1003rd Maneuver Company, Tactical Support Company of RMFB 10, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Bukidnon, and the Misamis Oriental Maritime Police Station.
Authorities flagged down a metallic gray Toyota Revo traveling from Lumbatan, Lanao del Sur, and headed toward Cagayan de Oro City as part of intensified border security and anti-smuggling efforts in the region.
A thorough inspection of the vehicle led to the discovery of 265 reams of cigarettes that allegedly lacked the mandatory government health warning stickers, indicating that the products were illegally imported or distributed in violation of existing laws.
Police estimated the total market value of the confiscated cigarettes at ₱212,000. The vehicle used to transport the illicit goods was likewise seized as evidence.
The driver, identified only by the alias “AJ,” 30 years old, a local peddler and resident of Lumbatan, Lanao del Sur, was immediately arrested after he failed to present legal documents authorizing the transport and possession of the cigarette shipment.
The suspect was taken to the Kalilangan Municipal Police Station under the Bukidnon Police Provincial Office for proper documentation and the filing of criminal charges for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10643, the law requiring graphic health warnings on tobacco products.
Meanwhile, the confiscated cigarettes and the impounded vehicle are set to be turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for proper disposition and further investigation into the possible source and distribution network behind the illegal shipment.
Police Regional Office 10 Regional Director PBGen. Christopher N. Abrahano commended the operating units for their coordinated and vigilant efforts in preventing the movement of smuggled goods into the region.
“Our border checkpoints remain a strong line of defense against smuggling activities. We will continue to strengthen our enforcement efforts and work closely with partner agencies to ensure that violators are held accountable under the law,” Abrahano said.
The latest seizure underscores the continuing campaign of PRO-10 and its partner law enforcement agencies to curb the illegal trade of untaxed and smuggled tobacco products, which deprive the government of revenue, undermine legitimate businesses, and violate public health regulations.
Authorities also emphasized that checkpoint operations across Northern Mindanao will remain intensified as part of ongoing efforts to secure regional borders and dismantle smuggling operations operating across provincial boundaries.