MAKILALA, Cotabato — Authorities seized nearly ₱887,800 worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes following a vehicular accident involving a van that allegedly attempted to evade a checkpoint in Barangay Kawayanon, Makilala, Cotabato on June 19, 2026.
The operation resulted in the recovery of 21 cases of Fort White Menthol cigarettes with a total estimated market value of ₱887,791, marking another significant accomplishment in the municipality’s intensified anti-smuggling campaign.
According to the Makilala Municipal Police Station (MPS), the incident unfolded at around 5:20 a.m. when police personnel responded to a report of a road accident involving a Nissan Mini Van bearing plate number MBI 4807. Initial reports indicated that the vehicle had allegedly attempted to evade a checkpoint before figuring in the crash.
Upon arriving at the scene, responding officers discovered suspected smuggled cigarettes inside the vehicle. Authorities recovered two cases of Fort White Menthol cigarettes valued at approximately ₱75,000.
The driver, identified only by the alias “Leyley,” a 25-year-old businessman from Digos City, Davao del Sur, was taken into custody and is currently undergoing further investigation.
Police believe the cigarettes were part of a larger shipment intended for illegal distribution in the area.
Further developments in the case emerged later that day when Barangay Councilor Vergilio Sacyap Dagangon personally turned over additional contraband recovered by members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT).
At around 11:35 a.m., authorities received 19 more cases containing 950 reams of Fort White Menthol cigarettes worth ₱812,791, which had been discovered by a BPAT member in a grassy area in Purok 1, Barangay Kawayanon.
Investigators believe the additional cigarettes were part of the same shipment transported by the crashed van. The discovery significantly increased the total value of the recovered contraband to ₱887,791.
The confiscation was carried out through the joint efforts of the Makilala Municipal Police Station and the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team of Barangay Kawayanon in support of the municipality’s intensified campaign against cigarette smuggling.
The operation was conducted pursuant to Executive Order No. 26, Series of 2026, which strengthens local anti-smuggling measures, as well as initiatives under the BPAT Challenge 2026 and the Kapehan sa Barangay Program.
Authorities emphasized that the successful recovery highlights the importance of community participation in combating illegal trade and protecting local economies from the adverse effects of smuggling activities.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the source and intended destination of the cigarettes, as well as possible links to a broader smuggling network operating in the region.
Police noted that the proliferation of smuggled cigarettes deprives the government of substantial tax revenues, undermines legitimate businesses, and poses potential risks to public safety due to the unregulated nature of the products.
All recovered items are now under the custody of the Makilala Municipal Police Station for proper documentation, disposition, and further case build-up.
Authorities have also urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities related to the transport, storage, and distribution of illegal cigarettes and other contraband goods in their communities as part of the continuing effort to dismantle smuggling operations across North Cotabato and neighboring provinces.