COLUMBIO, Sultan Kudarat — Two individuals were arrested after police intercepted a vehicle carrying an estimated ₱1.41 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, on August 27, 2026.
Personnel of the Columbio Municipal Police Station, together with the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Police Office, conducted the interception at a checkpoint in Sitio Malingen, Barangay Poblacion, as part of intensified police operations against the illicit movement of goods.
Authorities arrested two Filipino suspects, both of legal age, following the inspection of an Isuzu Elf van.
Police recovered 33 boxes of suspected smuggled cigarettes, with an estimated value of ₱1.41 million. The vehicle believed to have been used to transport the cigarettes was also taken into police custody.
The suspects and the confiscated items are currently under police custody pending the appropriate legal proceedings. Authorities did not immediately disclose the identities of the arrested individuals.
The operation forms part of the Philippine National Police’s continuing efforts to curb the distribution and transportation of suspected smuggled tobacco products, which authorities say can undermine legitimate businesses and government revenue.
Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said police operations would continue to focus on activities that threaten legitimate commerce and public revenue.
“We will keep our eyes on the ground and act when there is enough basis to do so. Hindi lang ito tungkol sa mga nakumpiskang produkto; it is also about protecting legitimate businesses and making sure that our laws are respected. We want our operations to be firm, but always fair and accountable.”
The Columbio operation is part of the PNP’s Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which emphasizes coordinated, intelligence-informed, and responsive police action.
The PNP said the continuing enforcement campaign supports the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in strengthening law enforcement and protecting legitimate economic activity.
Police reiterated that all individuals arrested in connection with the operation will undergo the appropriate legal process, with the confiscated cigarettes to be subjected to proper inventory, documentation, and disposition in accordance with existing laws and procedures.
The PNP said it remains committed to delivering its service under the banner, “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman,” through professional, lawful, and responsive police operations.