DAVAO CITY — Authorities seized approximately ₱600,000 worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during a joint police operation in Barangay Bangkal, Davao City, on the evening of November 5, 2026, following an operation targeting the alleged distribution of tobacco products that failed to comply with mandatory graphic health warning requirements.
The operation was conducted at around 6:45 p.m. at Central Park, Bangkal, by personnel of the Davao City Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA), in coordination with the Headquarters Regional Maritime Unit 11 and members of Talomo Police Station 3.
Police recovered 500 reams of Green Hill cigarettes, with an estimated market value of ₱600,000. The seized tobacco products reportedly did not carry the required graphic health warnings mandated under Philippine law.
Authorities said the operation was conducted in connection with alleged violations of Sections 6 and 10 of Republic Act No. 10643, also known as the Graphic Health Warnings Law, which requires tobacco product packages sold or distributed in the country to display prescribed graphic health warnings.
The law aims to strengthen public awareness of the serious health consequences of tobacco consumption by requiring cigarette manufacturers, importers, distributors, and other concerned parties to comply with standardized warning labels on tobacco packaging.
The absence of the required health warnings raises regulatory concerns over the distribution and sale of non-compliant tobacco products, particularly those suspected of entering or circulating in the local market outside established regulatory requirements.
Following the operation, all confiscated cigarettes were brought to the Davao City Maritime Police Station for proper documentation and appropriate disposition.
Authorities have not provided further details regarding the identity of the individuals involved, the possible source of the cigarettes, or whether arrests were made in connection with the operation.
The seizure underscores continuing law enforcement efforts in Davao City to address the circulation of suspected illicit tobacco products and enforce regulations governing the manufacture, importation, distribution, and sale of cigarettes.