INDANAN, Sulu – Authorities formally turned over 28 master cases of smuggled cigarettes to the Municipal Government of Indanan following a successful anti-illegal smuggling operation conducted earlier this month, reinforcing the municipality’s intensified campaign against illicit trade.
The turnover ceremony was held on July 21, 2026, with personnel from the Indanan Municipal Police Station (MPS), under the leadership of Chief of Police PLTCOL Francis Briones, officially handing over the confiscated contraband to the local government.
The cigarettes were seized during an anti-illegal smuggling operation conducted on July 3, 2026, at Sitio Subah Datu, Barangay Buansa, Indanan, Sulu. The operation was spearheaded by Deputy Chief of Police (DCOP) PCPT Jan Michael Nolan Mambuay, resulting in the recovery of 28 master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes.
Local officials and law enforcement personnel witnessed the turnover, including Indanan Mayor Al-Bakil “Thong” Jikiri, who reaffirmed the municipal government’s unwavering support for law enforcement agencies in their continuing efforts to suppress illegal smuggling activities in the municipality.
Mayor Jikiri emphasized that the close collaboration between the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Indanan and the Philippine National Police (PNP) plays a crucial role in maintaining peace, order, and public safety. He noted that coordinated operations against illegal trade not only uphold the rule of law but also help protect legitimate businesses and safeguard government revenues from losses caused by smuggling.
The turnover of the confiscated cigarettes marks another milestone in the municipality’s intensified campaign against smuggling, demonstrating the strong partnership between local authorities and the police in combating transnational and organized illegal activities in Sulu.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to sustain intelligence-driven operations against smuggling syndicates and urged the public to cooperate by reporting suspicious activities that may be linked to the illegal transport and distribution of smuggled goods.