The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) rescued five minors, arrested 15 suspects, and confiscated an estimated ₱77.1 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes during an operation in Lanao del Sur on June 15, 2026.
In compliance with directives from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” C. Remulla, and PNP Chief PGen Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., authorities intensified nationwide operations against smuggled cigarettes and other illegal trade activities.
At around 3:00 AM, CIDG Regional Field Unit of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BAR), together with CIDG Cotabato City Field Unit, CIDG Maguindanao Provincial Field Unit, PNP Special Action Force, Regional Intelligence Unit 15, Police Regional Office BAR, the Philippine Army, and territorial police units conducted a law enforcement operation at a makeshift warehouse in Barangay Liyangan, Picong, Lanao del Sur.
The operation resulted in the rescue of five minors and the arrest of 15 suspects, along with the seizure of 1,804 master cases and 139 reams of assorted cigarettes. Authorities estimated the total value of the confiscated items at ₱77,197,095.00.
CIDG said the arrested suspects were all adult males and residents of Brgy. Limbayan, Bongo Island, Parang, Maguindanao del Norte. They were reportedly caught while loading and transporting the alleged smuggled cigarettes.
The rescued minors, aged 9 to 14 years old, were found assisting inside the makeshift warehouse. They were turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) Office for proper care and disposition.
CIDG Director PMGen Robert AA Morico II cited Republic Act No. 12022 (Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act), emphasizing the government’s mandate to prevent smuggling and related illegal activities that affect supply chains, price stability, and national revenue.
The suspects were charged before the National Prosecution Service for violations of Republic Act No. 7394 (Consumer Act of the Philippines), Republic Act No. 10643 (Graphic Health Warnings Law), and Republic Act No. 12022 (Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act).
CIDG officials commended PLtCol Eugene A. Balugo, Officer-in-Charge of CIDG RFU 15–BAR and CIDG Cotabato City Field Unit, and PCpt Norman N. Marcos of the CIDG Maguindanao Provincial Field Unit, along with all participating units, for the successful operation.
Authorities said the operation underscores the CIDG’s continued campaign against smuggling and economic sabotage, reaffirming its commitment to dismantle illegal networks involved in the distribution and manufacturing of illicit cigarettes nationwide.