MISAMIS ORIENTAL — Police authorities in Northern Mindanao intercepted more than ₱836,000 worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Poblacion Libertad, Misamis Oriental, on September 30, 2026.
The operation was carried out at around 11:51 a.m. at Purok 2 through the coordinated efforts of the Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office (MORPPO), Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB 10), Iligan City Police Office (ICPO), and Regional Maritime Unit 10 (RMU 10) under the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO 10).
Police said the operation stemmed from intelligence information regarding a vehicle matching a specific description that was reportedly attempting to evade established checkpoints along national highways and using alternative routes.
Acting on the information, the operating team established its checkpoint and later flagged down a white sport utility vehicle (SUV) matching the reported description.
The vehicle was being driven by a.k.a. “Alnoor,” 34, married, and a resident of Legaspi, Albay, with a passenger identified as a.k.a. “Habi,” 40, married, and a resident of Tubod, Iligan City.
During the inspection, authorities discovered 1,045 reams of Modern cigarettes, which police suspected to be smuggled. The shipment was placed at an estimated market value of ₱836,000.
Shipment Reportedly Bound for Northern Mindanao
Initial investigation indicated that the cigarettes were reportedly being transported from Marawi City and were allegedly intended for delivery to areas in Laguindingan and Cagayan de Oro.
The interception highlights the role of intelligence-based checkpoint operations in monitoring alternative routes allegedly being used to bypass established security and enforcement checkpoints along major highways.
Following the operation, the two apprehended individuals and the confiscated cigarette shipment were brought to the Libertad Municipal Police Station (MPS) for documentation and profiling.
Police said the confiscated cigarettes will subsequently be turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for proper disposition and appropriate action under existing customs laws and regulations.
The vehicle used to transport the cigarettes was released to its owner after authorities verified the relevant contract-lease documents.
Charges Still Subject to Investigation
The two individuals may face appropriate charges following further investigation and legal evaluation by the authorities.
Police have not indicated that the apprehended individuals have been found guilty of smuggling. Their possible criminal liability remains subject to the outcome of the investigation and the determination of prosecutors and the courts.
PBGEN Nestor C. Babagay Jr., Regional Director of PRO 10, commended the personnel involved in the operation for their vigilance, coordination, and effective response to the intelligence information.
Babagay emphasized the importance of sustaining focused and intelligence-driven operations against cigarette smuggling, particularly through strengthened checkpoint operations and closer coordination among police units and other government agencies.
The interception underscores the continuing enforcement challenge posed by the movement of untaxed or illegally imported tobacco products through road networks in Northern Mindanao, with authorities relying on intelligence gathering, coordinated checkpoints, and inter-agency action to disrupt suspected smuggling activities.