MATANOG, MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE — Two men were arrested after authorities seized 15 master cases, or 750 reams, of suspected smuggled cigarettes during a joint checkpoint operation in Sitio Marayag, Barangay Bayanga Norte, Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte, at around 11:30 a.m. on October 6, 2026.
The suspects were identified only by their aliases as Hamdala, 26, the driver of a brown Toyota Innova bearing plate number GBJ 6647, and Nosair, 28, the vehicle’s helper. Both are residents of Malabang, Lanao del Sur.
According to the Matanog Municipal Police Station (Matanog MPS), the checkpoint was conducted as part of a routine security and law-enforcement operation led by Police Major Erwin P. Maylos, Chief of Police of Matanog MPS, with personnel from the 3rd Provincial Mobile Force Company, under Police Lieutenant Carodin M. Tomawis, Platoon Leader.
Police said the vehicle allegedly attempted to avoid the checkpoint. Officers, however, were able to intercept the vehicle and conduct an inspection.
During the inspection, authorities reportedly discovered several boxes of cigarettes inside the vehicle. The driver allegedly failed to present the required documents to establish the legality of the cigarettes and their transport.
Authorities seized a total of 750 reams, equivalent to 15 master cases, of Fort cigarettes, with an estimated value of P642,000, based on the valuation under Bureau of Internal Revenue Revenue Regulation No. 017-2025.
The seizure highlights the continuing law-enforcement efforts against the movement of untaxed or improperly documented tobacco products in the region, particularly through road networks connecting areas of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte.
The two suspects are now facing charges for alleged violations of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code, as well as Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law.
The suspects, along with the seized vehicle and cigarette products, are currently under the custody of Matanog MPS for proper disposition and the filing of appropriate legal proceedings.
Authorities have not disclosed whether further individuals or groups are being investigated in connection with the shipment. The seized cigarettes will remain subject to the appropriate government procedures as the case progresses.