Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte — Authorities intercepted more than ₱128,000 worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during a routine checkpoint operation conducted by police forces in the municipality on Tuesday afternoon.
Joint operatives from the Matanog Municipal Police Station, led by Police Major Erwin P. Maylos, officer-in-charge, together with personnel from the 3rd Platoon of the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company under the Philippine National Police, carried out the operation at around 4:10 p.m. on February 24, 2025. The checkpoint was set up at the PMFC area in Barangay Bayanga Norte, Matanog.
During the operation, authorities flagged down a red Suzuki Stingray without a license plate being driven by a 51-year-old farmer from Barangay Matanog Bomba, Balabagan, Lanao del Sur. Upon inspection of the vehicle, law enforcers discovered assorted goods believed to be smuggled cigarettes hidden inside the car.
Police reported that the confiscated items included 150 reams of CANNON Menthol cigarettes with an estimated market value of ₱128,352.00, based on revenue regulations of the Bureau of Internal Revenue. The suspected contraband was immediately marked, inventoried, and photographed in coordination with the Bureau of Customs Sub-Port of Parang, Maguindanao del Norte.
The suspect was informed of his constitutional rights and apprised of the provisions of the Anti-Torture Law in a dialect he understood, in line with proper legal procedures. He was later brought to the Matanog Municipal Police Station for documentation and further disposition.
Acting Provincial Director Police Colonel George D. Bagundol Jr. of the Maguindanao del Norte Police Provincial Office said the successful operation highlights the intensified efforts of authorities to curb smuggling activities in the province.
“This successful checkpoint operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to intensify the campaign against smuggling and all forms of economic sabotage in the province,” Bagundol said. “We will continue to strengthen our coordination with partner agencies and sustain intelligence-driven operations to protect our local economy and ensure that those who violate the law are held accountable.”
The provincial police also called on the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious or illegal activities in their communities as authorities continue to crack down on smuggling operations across the region.