DAVAO ORIENTAL, Philippines — The Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM), through its Intelligence Unit, has reinforced its commitment to law enforcement and regional security after successfully supporting two intelligence-driven joint operations in Davao Oriental that led to the arrest of the province’s Top 1 Regional Most Wanted Person and the confiscation of approximately ₱3.835 million worth of smuggled cigarettes.
The separate operations, conducted on August 1 and August 3, were carried out in close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), and other law enforcement agencies.
Top Regional Most Wanted Person Captured
On August 1, 2026, joint operatives from the NFEM Intelligence Unit, Davao Oriental Police Regional Intelligence Unit 11 (DORPIT RIU 11), Tarragona Municipal Police Station (MPS), and the 15th Special Action Company of the 11th Special Action Battalion successfully arrested Arnold Cabitay, also known by the alias “TOTO,” in Purok Langasiwan Dos, Barangay Ompaol, Tarragona, Davao Oriental.
Authorities served three outstanding Warrants of Arrest against Cabitay for violations of the Revised Penal Code, specifically:
- Article 248 (Murder) under Criminal Case No. 7267-17;
- Article 248 (Murder) under Criminal Case No. 6959-17; and
- Article 249 (Homicide) under Criminal Case No. 8290-20.
Law enforcement officials identified Cabitay as Davao Oriental’s Top 1 Regional Most Wanted Person, making his capture a significant accomplishment in the government’s intensified campaign against fugitives facing serious criminal charges.
Following his arrest, Cabitay was turned over to the Tarragona Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and legal processing.
₱3.835 Million Worth of Smuggled Cigarettes Confiscated
Just two days later, on August 3, 2026, NFEM participated in a Joint Customs and Anti-Smuggling Operation (JCAO) spearheaded by the CIDG Davao Oriental Provincial Field Unit in partnership with the Provincial Intelligence Team Regional Intelligence Unit (PIT RIU) Davao Oriental and in coordination with the San Isidro Municipal Police Station.
The operation culminated in the arrest of William Esmain Alibbo and Nadzmer Ussam Indih during an entrapment operation after authorities caught the suspects transporting and selling GREENHILL cigarettes without the legally required graphic health warnings.
Seized during the operation were:
- 59 master cases of GREENHILL cigarettes with an estimated market value of ₱3,835,000;
- One closed van truck allegedly used to transport the contraband; and
- 60 pieces of ₱1,000 boodle bills utilized during the entrapment operation.
The arrested individuals were turned over to the San Isidro Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.
Authorities said the suspects are expected to face charges for violating:
- Republic Act No. 10643 or the Graphic Health Warnings Law; and
- Section 263 of Republic Act No. 8424, as amended, which penalizes the unlawful possession or removal of articles subject to excise tax without payment of the required taxes.
Strengthening Interagency Cooperation
NFEM emphasized that the successful operations highlight the effectiveness of intelligence sharing and interagency collaboration in combating criminality, apprehending wanted fugitives, and disrupting the illegal trade of untaxed and improperly labeled tobacco products.
The naval force reaffirmed its commitment to supporting joint law enforcement efforts aimed at enforcing the rule of law, protecting legitimate commerce, and safeguarding communities from organized criminal activities.
“NFEM remains committed to supporting interagency initiatives that uphold the rule of law, protect legitimate trade, and contribute to a safe and secure maritime environment,” the command said in a statement.
The twin operations underscore the government’s continuing crackdown on high-value fugitives and smuggling syndicates operating in Eastern Mindanao, reinforcing ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and economic security in the region.