MARAMAG, BUKIDNON — A joint police operation led by the Bukidnon 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (2nd PMFC) intercepted a yellow “bao-bao” tricab loaded with smuggled cigarettes during a strategic checkpoint in the municipality on Tuesday.
Personnel of the 2nd PMFC, under the leadership of Acting Force Commander PMAJ Jessie James M. Lasdoce, together with operatives from the Maramag Municipal Police Station and in coordination with the Municipal Health Office, flagged down the vehicle after noticing suspicious movement. A routine inspection revealed the tricab was carrying assorted cigarette brands that did not bear the mandatory Health Graphic Warnings required under Philippine law.
Two individuals on board—a 34-year-old male and a 33-year-old female—were immediately apprehended after authorities confirmed the illegal cargo was in plain view inside the vehicle.
Confiscated from the suspects were:
• 97 reams of Commando cigarettes, and
• Two master cases of Commando cigarettes,
with an estimated market value of ₱77,600.
Barangay officials of Maramag and the Health Education and Promotion Officer of the Municipal Health Office witnessed the inventory and seizure of the contraband, ensuring transparency and proper procedure.
The arrested individuals and the smuggled cigarettes are now in the custody of the Maramag Police Station for documentation and will be turned over to the Municipal Health Office for proper disposition.
Authorities emphasized that operations against smuggled and unregulated tobacco products will continue across Bukidnon as part of the government’s effort to curb illicit trade and protect public health.