The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) seized more than P220,000 worth of suspected smuggled and contraband cigarettes during separate operations in Davao Oriental and Maguindanao del Norte on May 14.
Authorities said one suspect was arrested, while a vehicle allegedly used to transport illegal cigarette products was impounded following the operations.
In Mati City, Davao Oriental, members of the Davao Oriental Provincial Highway Patrol Team intercepted a black Honda TMX motorcycle along Diversion Road in Barangay Matiao at around 12:15 pm during anti-carnapping and traffic law enforcement operations.
Police said the motorcycle had no attached plate number and was carrying three carton boxes. Upon inspection, authorities found 150 reams of cigarettes without the graphic health warnings required under Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law.
The rider, a 27-year-old resident of Davao City, was arrested and informed of his constitutional rights. The seized cigarettes, valued at around P120,000, were placed under the custody of the Davao Oriental Highway Patrol Team for documentation and inquest proceedings.
In a separate operation in Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte, joint police units intercepted a gray Toyota Vios with improvised plate markings along the Narciso Ramos Highway in Sitio Campo 2, Barangay Bugasan Sur.
The operation was carried out by the Maguindanao del Norte Highway Patrol Team, the 1401st-A Regional Mobile Company, and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-A.
Police said authorities attempted to inspect the vehicle at around 7:30 am, but the driver allegedly sped away, prompting a pursuit. The driver and two companions, including a woman, later abandoned the vehicle and fled toward a forested area.
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 250 reams of suspected smuggled “New Berlin” cigarettes hidden in the trunk. The items were valued at around P100,000.
Authorities also recovered a coin purse containing identification cards believed to be linked to the fleeing suspects. The vehicle was impounded for verification and further investigation.
HPG director Brig. Gen. Rommel Batangan said intensified checkpoint operations and intelligence-driven enforcement remain vital in stopping the movement of contraband through major roads.
“The PNP-HPG remains committed to strengthening checkpoint operations and intelligence-driven enforcement activities to suppress the transport of contraband and other unlawful activities,” Batangan said.
The HPG urged the public to report suspicious transport activities and illegal trade operations to authorities.