A 45-year-old businessman was arrested after allegedly attempting to evade a police checkpoint, leading authorities to discover and seize approximately ₱1.71 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes in Barangay San Mateo, Aleosan, Cotabato on August 29, 2026.
The operation took place at around 2:55 p.m. at the PNP checkpoint in the barangay and was carried out by the Aleosan Municipal Police Station (MPS) Alert Team, serving as the lead unit, in coordination with the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Cotabato Police Provincial Office (PIU-CPPO), Regional Intelligence Division 12 (RID 12), and STT Echo.
Police said the operation began when officers flagged down an Isuzu Elf Reefer Van Truck approaching the checkpoint.
Instead of stopping, however, the driver allegedly ignored repeated warnings from police personnel and accelerated away from the checkpoint, prompting the officers to immediately pursue the vehicle.
The police pursuit eventually resulted in the interception of the van and the arrest of its driver, identified in the initial police report as alias “Mando,” 45, a businessman.
He was initially placed under arrest for allegedly violating Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code, which covers resistance and disobedience to a person in authority or the agents of such person.
2,000 Reams of Cigarettes Found
Following the interception, police inspected the vehicle and reportedly discovered a large quantity of cigarettes believed to have been smuggled into the country.
Authorities recovered 2,000 reams of New Berlin and Cannon Menthol cigarettes, with a combined estimated value of ₱1,711,360.
The Isuzu Elf Reefer Van used to transport the cigarettes was also seized by authorities.
The discovery transformed what initially began as a checkpoint enforcement operation into a major anti-smuggling operation, with police now preparing additional charges against the suspect.
The confiscated cigarette products were reportedly inventoried at the scene in the presence of the suspect, a barangay official and a media representative.
Police also said the suspect was informed of his constitutional rights before he and the seized items were brought to the Aleosan MPS for documentation and proper disposition.
CMTA Case Being Prepared
Authorities are preparing a case for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in addition to the alleged violation of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code.
The case is being prepared for filing before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Midsayap, Cotabato.
The seizure underscores the continuing efforts of law enforcement agencies in Cotabato and other parts of Mindanao to disrupt the movement of untaxed and illegally imported tobacco products.
Smuggling of cigarettes deprives the government of potentially significant revenues from customs duties and excise taxes while allowing illicit products to compete with legally imported and locally manufactured tobacco products.
For law enforcement, the incident also highlights the importance of checkpoint operations not only in detecting criminal activity but also in intercepting vehicles allegedly being used to transport contraband.
The suspect remains entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.
Authorities are expected to pursue the appropriate legal proceedings and further establish the origin, ownership and intended destination of the seized cigarette shipment as the case moves forward.