Camp BGen Salipada K. Pendatun, Parang, Maguindanao del Norte – July 14, 2025 — Authorities confiscated an estimated ₱1.68 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested three individuals during a joint anti-smuggling operation in Barangay Bacong, Marantao, Lanao del Sur.
The successful operation was carried out by operatives of the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR), led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Lanao del Sur (CIDG-LDS), in coordination with the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), Bureau of Customs (BOC), and the Marantao Municipal Police Station (MPS).
Seized during the operation were 60 boxes of red San Marino cigarettes and 20 boxes of Platinum cigarettes—all undocumented, lacking Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) tax stamps, and failing to comply with the required graphic health warnings. Also recovered was one Toyota Hi-Ace van allegedly used to transport the contraband.
Authorities confirmed that the barangay chairman of Bacong was present to witness the inventory of the seized goods, ensuring transparency in the procedure.
The three arrested suspects, whose identities have not been disclosed pending further investigation, along with all confiscated items, were taken to the CIDG-LDS office for proper documentation and legal disposition.
PRO BAR Regional Director, Police Brigadier General Jaysen C. De Guzman, lauded the operatives and partner agencies for their collaborative efforts.
“The Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region remains firm in its commitment to curb smuggling and the proliferation of illegal products in the region,” De Guzman said. “We will continue working closely with concerned agencies to safeguard the welfare of our communities and protect government interests.”
PRO BAR reiterated its unwavering dedication to enforcing laws against smuggling and other criminal activities in the Bangsamoro Region.