MALIDEGAO, Special Geographic Area, BARMM — Police seized an estimated ₱3.78 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes from a closed van traveling from Cotabato City to Makilala, North Cotabato, during a checkpoint operation in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Wednesday evening, October 28.
The operation took place at around 6:30 p.m. along a checkpoint in Barangay Batulawan, Malidegao, within the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of BARMM, where personnel from the 1405th Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-A and the Malidegao Municipal Police Station intercepted and inspected a Foton closed van bearing plate number ABN 2014.
According to the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), the inspection uncovered substantial quantities of two cigarette brands suspected of being illegally transported. Authorities recovered 39 master cases and 44 reams of Bosqu cigarettes, along with 48 master cases and 23 reams of D&J cigarettes.
The total value of the seized cigarette products was estimated at ₱3,779,538, making the interception a significant enforcement operation against the suspected illegal movement of tobacco products in the region.
Police identified the van’s driver as Elorde Antipuesto and his helper as Joel Guban, both residents of Ma-a, Davao City. The two men were taken into custody following the discovery of the cigarette shipment.
PRO-BAR said the operation was launched after authorities received information about the possible transportation of illegally traded cigarette products. The checkpoint inspection was conducted to verify the information and intercept the suspected shipment.
The two men and the confiscated cigarettes are currently under the custody of the Malidegao Municipal Police Station for documentation, inventory and further investigation.
Investigators are working to establish the origin of the cigarette products, identify their owner and determine their intended destination. Authorities are also examining the circumstances surrounding their transport and the possible filing of appropriate charges against those found responsible.
The seizure highlights the role of checkpoint operations and intelligence-driven enforcement in detecting the movement of suspected illicit goods across Mindanao. However, the investigation must still establish whether the shipment violated applicable laws and identify the individuals or entities ultimately responsible for the suspected illegal trade.
The identities of the two men have been disclosed by police, but their involvement in any offense remains subject to the findings of the investigation and applicable legal proceedings.