A joint law enforcement operation in Governor Generoso resulted in the interception of an estimated ₱21.3 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes in the early hours of May 1, 2026, significantly higher than initial estimates.
Authorities flagged down a wing van at around 1:40 a.m., driven by a 47-year-old male from Tungawan. Upon inspection, the vehicle was found transporting a large volume of undocumented cigarette products with no proper permits or tax documentation. The shipment’s value was later verified at ₱21,335,000 based on assessments by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the National Tobacco Authority.
The operation was conducted in Barangay Pundaguitan following reports of illegal loading activities in the area. A coordinated response led to the interception of one FUSO wing van truck carrying a total of 504 master cases of smuggled cigarettes. These included 328 master cases of Greenhill cigarettes, 99 master cases of Cannon cigarettes, and 75 master cases of Bosqu cigarettes.
The multi-agency effort was supervised by the provincial police leadership and involved personnel from the Governor Generoso Municipal Police Station, CIDG 11, Regional Intelligence Unit 11, Provincial Intelligence Unit, 2nd Davao Oriental Provincial Mobile Force Company, the 66th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard units in Davao Oriental, National Bureau of Investigation Region 11, Naval Intelligence and Security Group–Eastern Mindanao, and Davao Oriental Maritime Police Station.
All confiscated items, including the vehicle, truck key, and registration documents, are now under the custody of the Governor Generoso Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and disposition.
The arrested suspect was informed of his constitutional rights, including protections under the Anti-Torture Act of 2009, before being taken into custody.
Authorities are preparing charges against the suspect for violations of Republic Act 10643 (Graphic Health Warnings Law), Republic Act 8424 (National Internal Revenue Code, as amended), and Republic Act 12022, in connection with the illegal transport and distribution of untaxed tobacco products.
Officials underscored that the successful operation highlights the importance of sustained inter-agency coordination in curbing smuggling activities. Law enforcement agencies reiterated their commitment to intensify operations aimed at protecting government revenue, public health, and the integrity of lawful trade in Davao Oriental.