CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Authorities seized an estimated ₱4 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes after two vehicles were found abandoned in a remote area of Barangay Linangkayan, Naawan, Misamis Oriental, in the early hours of Friday, April 3, 2026.
According to a report from Camp Alagar, the discovery was made around 3:25 a.m. after a concerned citizen alerted the Naawan Municipal Police Station (MPS) about two suspicious vehicles parked at Purok 7 without any driver or attendant.
Police officers immediately responded to the report and proceeded to the area to verify the information. Upon arrival, they found a white Mitsubishi L300 and a white Toyota Hi-Ace van, both loaded with approximately 5,000 reams of cigarettes branded “Red Modern,” which are believed to be illegally smuggled into the country.
The absence of any individuals at the scene raised suspicions that the vehicles had been deliberately abandoned to evade law enforcement operations.
Authorities secured the area and transported the recovered vehicles along with the contraband to the Naawan MPS for proper documentation and inventory. The seized items are set to be turned over to the Bureau of Customs office in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental for appropriate disposition and further examination.
An investigation is now underway to determine the identities of those responsible for the smuggling operation and to trace the origin and intended distribution network of the illicit goods.
Police Regional Office 10 Director, PBGEN Christopher N. Abrahano, commended both the swift action of responding personnel and the vigilance of the local community, emphasizing that public cooperation remains crucial in the fight against illegal activities.
Authorities reiterated their call for continued community support in reporting suspicious activities, stressing that such partnerships significantly strengthen efforts to curb smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage in the region.