BALINGOAN, Misamis Oriental — Police authorities arrested a 48-year-old man and seized approximately ₱432,900 worth of illicit and allegedly smuggled cigarettes during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Bauk-Bauk, Balingoan, Misamis Oriental, on September 16, 2026.
The operation was conducted at around 1:50 p.m. by personnel of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Misamis Oriental/Camiguin Provincial Field Unit (PFU), in coordination with the Regional Intelligence Unit 10–PIT Misamis Oriental, Police Intelligence Unit-Misamis Oriental, Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office (PPO), and Balingoan Municipal Police Station (MPS).
The operation was carried out under OPLAN MEGASHOPPER, an enforcement initiative targeting illicit commercial activities.
Police identified the arrested suspect as alias “Engson,” 48, single, jobless, and a resident of Misamis Oriental.
Authorities said the operation stemmed from information provided by a confidential informant regarding an individual allegedly involved in the sale of illicit and smuggled cigarettes in the area.
Following the information, police personnel conducted validation and surveillance activities to establish the reported illegal activity. These efforts eventually led to the conduct of the buy-bust operation.
During the operation, police said the suspect was caught in the act of selling illicit and allegedly smuggled cigarettes without the required permit at the balcony of his residence.
The operating team immediately apprehended the suspect following the transaction.
₱432,900 in cigarette products seized
Police recovered a total of 133 reams of assorted cigarette brands, along with two master cases each of Cannon Menthol and Modern cigarettes.
The confiscated cigarette products were estimated to have a total market value of approximately ₱432,900.
Also recovered during the operation were 13 boodle bills, one improvised receipt reportedly used as a buy-bust receipt, and one ₱500 bill used as buy-bust money.
The seized items were brought to the CIDG Misamis Oriental/Camiguin PFU office for proper documentation and disposition.
The arrested suspect was likewise taken to the same unit for processing and appropriate legal proceedings.
Intellectual property case being prepared
Authorities said a case for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, is being prepared for inquest proceedings before the Prosecutor’s Office.
The filing of the case remains subject to the appropriate prosecutorial proceedings and determination of probable cause.
The confiscated cigarette products will remain under the custody of the authorities pending proper disposition in accordance with applicable procedures.
PRO10 vows intensified crackdown
PBGEN Nestor C. Babagay Jr., Regional Director of the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10), said the operation forms part of the police region’s intelligence-driven enforcement efforts and is aligned with the Chief PNP’s Focused Agenda.
Babagay stressed that the operation demonstrates the police force’s continuing efforts to address illicit activities in Northern Mindanao, particularly the illegal trade involving smuggled cigarette products.
“This accomplishment shows how serious we are in dealing with illegal activities in our Region. Let this serve as a clear message: PRO10 will remain relentless in going after those engaged in the illegal trade of smuggled cigarettes,” Babagay said.
He added that PRO10 would continue strengthening its intelligence operations, intensifying enforcement activities, and coordinating with partner agencies to ensure that individuals found violating the law are held accountable.
The arrest and seizure highlight the continuing police campaign against the distribution and sale of illicit cigarette products in the region, with authorities relying on intelligence gathering, surveillance, and coordinated enforcement operations to identify and apprehend suspected violators.