CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Authorities in Northern Mindanao intercepted more than ₱32.7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in two successive operations on April 3, as part of heightened security measures for the Holy Week observance, the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) reported.
The back-to-back anti-smuggling operations were carried out in the municipality of Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental, involving multiple police units operating on intelligence reports and routine patrols.
The first operation took place at around 1:50 p.m., when personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB10), along with local police and intelligence units, acted on information about a wing van truck allegedly transporting illegal cigarettes.
Upon reaching the area, authorities found the vehicle parked along a national highway. The truck driver fled toward a nearby forested area after noticing the approaching operatives, evading immediate arrest.
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 496 master cases of smuggled cigarettes lacking the mandatory graphic health warning labels and excise tax stamps. The contraband, estimated at ₱19.84 million, included brands such as Green Hills, New Orleans, Casablanca, and Modern cigarettes. The wing van truck used to transport the goods was also seized.
Less than three hours later, at about 4:40 p.m., a second operation unfolded in Purok 5, Barangay Candiis, in the same town. Personnel from the Magsaysay Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company and the Provincial Intelligence Unit, discovered another abandoned wing van truck during a mobile patrol.
The vehicle, found improperly parked and unattended along the roadside, contained 322 master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes with an estimated value of ₱12.88 million.
Initial investigations suggest that both vehicles were bound for the CARAGA Region, raising the possibility of a coordinated smuggling operation. Authorities are currently working to determine whether the shipments originated from the same source and to identify those responsible.
All confiscated items have been placed under police custody and will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental for proper disposition.
Christopher N. Abrahano, regional director of PRO10, lauded the operating units for their swift and coordinated response.
“These successful back-to-back operations underscore our intensified efforts to secure Northern Mindanao during the Holy Week. While many observe this sacred time, PRO10 remains vigilant against all forms of illegal activities, including smuggling, which undermines our economy and public welfare,” Abrahano said.
He added that the police will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations and strengthen inter-agency coordination to ensure a safe and orderly observance of Semana Santa.