SULTAN NAGA DIMAPORO, Lanao del Norte — Authorities intercepted a shipment of smuggled cigarettes worth ₱4.44 million and arrested two individuals during an intelligence-driven coastal operation early morning on April 23, 2026.
The operation, led by the Police Regional Office 10 through the 1005th Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10, was carried out in coordination with the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office and the 5th Special Operations Unit Maritime Group.
Authorities said the operation stemmed from information provided by a confidential informant about a motorized banca transporting smuggled cigarettes from Jolo, allegedly bound for distribution in Sultan Naga Dimaporo.
Joint operatives proceeded to the shoreline of Barangay Koreo, where they caught two men in the act of unloading boxes of cigarettes from the vessel between 8:30 a.m. and 9:20 a.m. The suspects failed to present any legal documents for the cargo, prompting their immediate arrest.
The apprehended individuals were identified only by their aliases: “Jomil,” 25, a laborer from Barangay Maubo, Litayan, Sulu, and “Argas,” 35, the captain of the motorized banca and a resident of Barangay Bosbos, Jolo, Sulu.
Seized from the suspects were 111 master cases of assorted cigarette brands, including Canon, Bros, Modern, and New Orleans, with a total estimated market value of ₱4,440,000 based on the valuation of the Bureau of Customs.
An inventory of the confiscated items was conducted at the site in the presence of barangay officials. The seized goods will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs office in Iligan City for proper disposition, while the suspects were brought to the local municipal police station for documentation and filing of charges.
Authorities are preparing charges against the suspects for violation of Republic Act No. 10863, which penalizes the unlawful importation and transport of goods without proper documentation.
Police Brigadier General Christopher N Abrahano commended the coordinated efforts of the operating units, highlighting the success of intelligence-led operations in curbing smuggling activities in Northern Mindanao.
The Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 reiterated its commitment to intensify anti-smuggling operations and called on the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, emphasizing the role of community cooperation in protecting the local economy from illicit trade.