KALILANGAN, Bukidnon — Authorities intercepted an estimated ₱280,000 worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested a driver during a checkpoint operation at a regional border control point on the evening of April 13, 2026, police reported.
Personnel of the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO-10), led by operatives from the 1004th Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB-10), were conducting routine inspection at the Regional Border Control Point (RBCP) in Barangay Pamotolon when they flagged down a white van traveling from Marawi City, Lanao del Sur to Valencia City, Bukidnon.
The vehicle was driven by an individual identified only by the alias “Hadir,” a married vendor and resident of Zamboanga City.
According to authorities, the inspection immediately raised suspicion after operatives spotted multiple boxes of cigarettes in plain view inside the van. Upon further verification, the driver failed to present any legal documents to prove the legitimacy of the cargo.
This prompted authorities to place the driver under arrest for possession and transport of undocumented goods.
Seized from the vehicle were seven cases of Greenhills White cigarettes, all lacking the required government health warning labels. The Bureau of Customs estimated the total market value of the confiscated items at ₱280,000.
The suspect was taken into custody and brought to the Kalilangan Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and legal processing. An inventory of the seized cigarettes was conducted at the site of the operation in accordance with standard procedures.
Authorities said the confiscated items will be turned over to the Municipal Health Office of Kalilangan for appropriate disposition.
Police Brigadier General Christopher N. Abrahano, Regional Director of PRO-10, commended the coordinated efforts of the operating units, citing the operation as a testament to the intensified campaign against smuggling and illegal trade in the region.
“This successful interception highlights the importance of sustained checkpoint operations and strong inter-agency coordination in curbing the entry and movement of illegal goods,” Abrahano said.
PRO-10 reiterated its commitment to strengthening border control measures to prevent the proliferation of smuggled products, which not only undermine lawful businesses but also pose potential health risks to the public.