PARANG, Maguindanao del Norte — Authorities seized an estimated ₱14 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested two men following a checkpoint operation at the Duran Detachment in Barangay Sarmiento, Parang, Maguindanao del Norte, on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
The operation took place at about 11:40 a.m. when security personnel intercepted a Hino Wing Van truck carrying a large shipment of assorted cigarettes at the Duran Checkpoint.
Arrested were alias “Jamalodin,” 39, identified as the driver, and alias “Abdila,” 32, identified as the vehicle’s helper.
According to the initial report, the truck was stopped during the checkpoint operation and the driver allegedly failed to present the required documents covering the cigarette shipment. This prompted authorities to hold the vehicle and its occupants and conduct further inspection of the cargo.
The inspection reportedly resulted in the discovery of 250 master cases of suspected smuggled WALTON cigarettes, with authorities placing the estimated value of the shipment at approximately ₱14 million.
The operation was led by Police Lieutenant Patrick Generoso M. Gascon, Platoon Leader of the 3rd Maneuver Platoon, 1401st Regional Mobile Force Battalion-14A, with the participation of personnel from the Parang Municipal Police Station, headed by PMajor Albert Carbungco, the Regional Intelligence Unit 15 (RIU15), and other security personnel.
Authorities subsequently took the truck and the seized cigarette shipment into custody for proper documentation, inventory and further investigation.
Driver urged to verify cargo documents
Following the interception, Gascon issued a reminder to drivers and operators of cargo vehicles to exercise greater caution and to ensure that the goods they transport are properly documented before leaving for their destinations.
He specifically urged drivers to inspect and verify their cargo and its accompanying documents before accepting or transporting any shipment.
Gascon stressed that drivers should not only consider road safety and the condition of their vehicles before travelling, but should also make sure that the cargo they are carrying is legal and supported by the necessary documentation.
The warning comes amid continuing law-enforcement efforts against the movement of untaxed and potentially smuggled cigarette products in Mindanao, where authorities have intensified inspections and checkpoint operations along major transport routes.
The official also reminded drivers that carrying cargo without the appropriate documentation may expose them to investigation and possible legal consequences, particularly when prohibited or illegally imported goods are discovered inside their vehicles.
Investigation underway
The two arrested individuals are expected to undergo the appropriate investigation and documentation procedures as authorities determine the circumstances surrounding the shipment, including its source, intended destination and the persons or entities involved in its transportation.
Authorities have not indicated in the initial report whether the two suspects admitted knowledge of the nature or legality of the cargo.
The seized cigarettes, meanwhile, will be subjected to proper inventory and verification as part of the investigation. Authorities are also expected to establish the ownership of the shipment and determine whether additional individuals or entities may be linked to its transport.
The operation highlights the continuing role of checkpoints and coordinated law-enforcement efforts in intercepting suspected smuggling activities along major roads in Maguindanao del Norte.
As the investigation continues, authorities reiterated their appeal to transport operators and drivers to verify the legitimacy of their cargo before accepting and transporting shipments, particularly those involving highly regulated or taxable products.