DATU SAUDI AMPUATUAN, Maguindanao del Sur — Police operatives recovered 29 master cases containing 1,450 reams of suspected smuggled Cannon Menthol cigarettes valued at ₱1,240,736 during an intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operation in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur, on October 17, 2026.
The recovery was made at approximately 2:10 p.m. along Sambulawan Street in Barangay Dapiawan, where joint operating personnel discovered the cigarette products concealed and abandoned beside the road, according to the Police Regional Office of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR).
The operation was conducted by personnel of the Datu Saudi Ampatuan Municipal Police Station (MPS), in coordination with the Regional Intelligence and Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Group–Regional Intelligence Division (RIAT-RID) of PRO BAR, following information relayed by the BIN regarding the presence of suspected smuggled cigarettes in the area.
Upon reaching the reported location, the operatives found the 29 master cases containing a total of 1,450 reams of Cannon Menthol cigarettes. No individual was present at the scene to claim ownership of the recovered products.
The cigarettes were subsequently transported to the Datu Saudi Ampatuan MPS for proper documentation, marking, inventory, and safekeeping.
Investigation Underway to Identify Those Responsible
Authorities are continuing their investigation to establish the ownership and origin of the recovered cigarettes and identify the individuals who may be responsible for the suspected smuggling activity.
While the operation resulted in the recovery of cigarette products worth more than ₱1.24 million, police have yet to identify any suspect or establish who left the items at the roadside location.
The absence of a claimant at the scene means that responsibility for the recovered goods remains undetermined pending further investigation. Authorities have not reported any arrests in connection with the operation.
PRO BAR Chief Warns Smugglers
Police Regional Director PBGEN Christopher M. Abecia commended the operating personnel for their prompt response, effective coordination, and continued efforts to combat smuggling and other illegal activities across the Bangsamoro region.
Abecia also issued a stern warning to individuals and groups involved in smuggling and other unlawful activities, stressing that police operations and intelligence-gathering efforts would be intensified to identify violators and hold them accountable under the law.
“I commend our operating units for their vigilance and strong coordination in combating smuggling. To those involved in illegal activities, consider this a stern warning: we will relentlessly pursue you and ensure that you are held accountable under the law. We urge the public to report suspicious activities and support our efforts to keep our communities safe,” Abecia said.
Public Cooperation Sought Against Smuggling
PRO BAR reiterated its commitment to strengthening law enforcement operations against smuggling and other forms of criminality throughout the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The regional police command said these efforts are intended to maintain peace and order, protect legitimate commerce, and safeguard communities against unlawful activities.
Authorities also urged residents to report suspicious movements or activities that may be connected to smuggling, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation and coordination between law enforcement agencies in preventing and addressing criminal activity.
The latest recovery underscores the continuing enforcement efforts against suspected smuggling in Maguindanao del Sur. However, the origin, intended destination, ownership, and circumstances surrounding the abandonment of the 1,450 reams of cigarettes remain subject to investigation.
No suspect has been identified in the reported operation as of the release of the police information.