PICONG, Lanao del Sur — Police operatives confiscated 195 cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes with an estimated market value of ₱7.8 million during an intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operation in Barangay Mapantao, Picong, on November 13, 2026.
The operation led to the recovery of hundreds of cigarette cartons believed to be part of an illicit tobacco trade, although no arrests were made after the individuals allegedly involved in loading the products escaped upon noticing the approaching police personnel.
The Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR) said the operation was launched following intelligence information about unidentified individuals allegedly loading suspected smuggled cigarettes inside a warehouse in the area.
A joint operating team proceeded to the reported location to verify the information and conduct appropriate law enforcement action. However, the individuals allegedly involved fled toward an undetermined direction after noticing the approaching personnel, abandoning the cigarettes and their loading activities.
The operation was spearheaded by the Regional Intelligence and Assessment Team of the PRO BAR Regional Intelligence Division, with personnel from the Picong Municipal Police Station, Tactical Support Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-A, and the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office.
Police recovered a total of 195 cases of cigarettes bearing six different brand names. These consisted of 48 cases of Cannon Menthol, 10 cases of San Marino Gold, 22 cases of Fortune, 58 cases of Platinum Seven, 19 cases of Fort, and 38 cases of Commando.
Authorities placed the estimated total market value of the confiscated cigarettes at ₱7.8 million.
The recovered products were placed under the temporary custody of the Picong Municipal Police Station for documentation and inventory before their intended turnover to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for appropriate disposition.
While the operation resulted in a substantial seizure, authorities have yet to identify or apprehend the individuals who allegedly abandoned the cigarette shipment. Further investigation may help establish the ownership, origin, intended destination, and possible distribution network behind the suspected smuggling activity.
PRO BAR Regional Director PBGen Christopher M. Abecia commended the operating personnel for their prompt response, coordination, and successful recovery of the suspected contraband.
Abecia said the operation demonstrated the importance of intelligence-led policing and coordinated law enforcement efforts, adding that the regional police command would continue strengthening its campaign against smuggling and other illegal activities.
The seizure highlights the continuing enforcement challenge posed by suspected illicit tobacco shipments in the Bangsamoro region, particularly in identifying the people behind the movement and distribution of such products, beyond the confiscation of abandoned goods.
Authorities have yet to disclose further details regarding the investigation or whether additional operations are being planned in connection with the recovered shipment.