COTABATO, Philippines – Police authorities in Region 12 have intensified their campaign against the illegal tobacco trade, resulting in the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of more than ₱703,000 worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes in two separate operations conducted in Cotabato on July 24 and 25, 2026.
The back-to-back operations underscore the Philippine National Police’s continuing crackdown on smuggling, which authorities say threatens the country’s economy, public health, and border security.
Two Arrested in Matalam Patrol Operation
On July 25, personnel of the Matalam Municipal Police Station apprehended two suspects after catching them unloading suspected smuggled cigarettes from a vehicle during a mobile patrol in Barangay Kilada, Matalam, Cotabato.
The suspects, identified only by their aliases “Telon,” 38, and “Tata,” 27, both residents of Barangay Bulod, Pikit, Cotabato, were arrested while allegedly unloading the illicit tobacco products.
Authorities sought verification from a Bureau of Customs (BOC) examiner, who, through a Viber video inspection, confirmed that the cigarettes were smuggled and did not bear the mandatory graphic health warnings required under Philippine law.
Seized during the operation were 63 reams of Fort White cigarettes with an estimated value of ₱53,865, along with a black Suzuki Wagon R believed to have been used in transporting the contraband.
The suspects are now under the custody of the Matalam Municipal Police Station and are facing charges for violations of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), and Republic Act No. 10643, which mandates graphic health warnings on tobacco products.
Cargo Truck Carrying Hidden Cigarettes Intercepted in Mlang
A day earlier, on July 24, personnel of the Mlang Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Cotabato Police Provincial Office (CPPO), Regional Intelligence Division 12 (RID-12), and STT Echo, intercepted a cargo truck transporting alleged smuggled cigarettes during a random checkpoint operation at the Fixed Visibility Point in Barangay Liboo, Mlang, Cotabato.
Police initially flagged down the truck after noticing it had no side mirrors. Further inspection revealed that the driver, a resident of Parang, Maguindanao, was unable to present a valid driver’s license as well as the vehicle’s Official Receipt (OR) and Certificate of Registration (CR).
A thorough inspection uncovered 26 cartons of suspected smuggled cigarettes hidden beneath a load of mature coconuts.
Authorities confiscated nine cartons of Bosqu cigarettes and 17 cartons of Bros cigarettes, with a combined estimated value of ₱650,000.
Following proper inventory and documentation in the presence of a barangay official, the driver was arrested and informed of his constitutional rights.
The suspect and the confiscated items were brought to the Mlang Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. Police are preparing charges for violation of Republic Act No. 10863 before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Kidapawan City, while the seized cigarettes will be turned over to the appropriate authorities for further examination and disposition.
PRO-12 Vows Relentless Campaign Against Smuggling
Acting Police Regional Office-12 Director Police Brigadier General Alan B. Manibog reaffirmed the PNP’s commitment to intensifying operations against all forms of smuggling.
“We will not relent in enforcing the law against smuggling. Every operation that prevents the entry of illegal products is a step toward protecting our economy, safeguarding public health, and preserving the integrity of our borders. Our intensified campaign against all forms of illegal trade continues under the Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” Manibog said.
The recent operations form part of PRO-12’s broader effort to curb the proliferation of illicit tobacco products across the region, as law enforcement agencies continue to strengthen coordination with the Bureau of Customs and other partner agencies to combat organized smuggling networks operating in Mindanao.