Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte — A joint law enforcement operation resulted in the arrest of a female suspect and the seizure of nearly ₱1.85 million worth of smuggled cigarettes along a national highway here on April 23, authorities reported.
Operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Cotabato City Field Unit, working in close coordination with the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), the Bureau of Customs, and the Matanog Municipal Police Station, carried out the intelligence-driven operation along Narciso National Highway in Barangay Bugasan Norte.
The operation was launched following verified intelligence reports pointing to the suspect’s involvement in the illegal sale and transport of undocumented cigarettes that lacked the mandated graphic health warnings. Authorities said the activity violates Section 6 of Republic Act 10643 and relevant provisions of Republic Act 10863.
Seized during the operation were 35 master cases of “Fort” cigarettes, each containing 50 reams, along with two vehicles believed to have been used in the transport of the contraband—a multicab pickup and a Suzuki wagon van. Law enforcers also recovered boodle money and a genuine ₱1,000 bill used as part of the buy-bust operation. The total estimated value of the confiscated cigarettes was pegged at ₱1,847,440.
Authorities conducted an on-site inventory of the seized items in the presence of a barangay official to ensure transparency and adherence to standard operating procedures. The arrested suspect was informed of her constitutional rights, including safeguards under Republic Act 9745, in a language she fully understood.
Both the suspect and the confiscated evidence were brought to the CIDG Regional Field Unit in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) for proper documentation and legal disposition.
Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), lauded the coordinated efforts of the operating units and reaffirmed the agency’s intensified campaign against smuggling.
“This operation sends a clear message that PRO BAR remains firm against illegal trade. Hindi lang ito usapin ng batas, kundi proteksyon sa kalusugan at kapakanan ng mamamayan. We will continue to pursue offenders and hold them accountable,” De Guzman said.
He also underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration in addressing illicit trade, assuring the public that authorities will sustain and further strengthen operations to combat all forms of illegal activities across the region.