ASUNCION, Davao del Norte — Two individuals were arrested after police seized an estimated ₱5.1 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during an operation in Asuncion, Davao del Norte, on August 27, 2026.
The operation was conducted by personnel of the Asuncion Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Davao del Norte Provincial Police Office.
Authorities arrested two Filipino suspects, both of legal age, during the operation targeting the movement of suspected smuggled tobacco products.
Police reported recovering 90 master cases and 1,500 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes, with a combined estimated value of ₱5.1 million.
The confiscated tobacco products were placed under police custody for proper documentation and disposition, while the two arrested suspects are being held pending the filing of appropriate cases.
The operation highlights the continuing police campaign against the transportation and distribution of suspected smuggled cigarettes in Mindanao, particularly activities that may affect legitimate businesses and government revenues.
Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. emphasized that the police force would continue conducting field operations against unlawful activities while ensuring that enforcement remains grounded on proper procedures and accountability.
“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 Asuncion operation forms part of the PNP’s Focused Agenda, particularly its Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) program, which promotes coordinated, intelligence-informed, and responsive police action.
According to the PNP, the intensified campaign supports the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in strengthening law enforcement and protecting legitimate economic activity.
Authorities stressed that the seized cigarettes remain suspected smuggled products and that the appropriate government agencies will determine the legal status and disposition of the confiscated items as the cases proceed.
The PNP said it will continue strengthening its presence and operations against activities that undermine legitimate commerce and public revenue while upholding due process and the rule of law.
The campaign is being carried out under the PNP’s commitment to “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman,” emphasizing professional, lawful, and responsive police service.