The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested three men and seized P10.9 million worth of alleged illicit cigarettes in two separate operations in Davao Oriental.
CIDG said the operations were conducted by its Davao Oriental Provincial Field Unit on June 13 and 14 in Manay and Mati City as part of its campaign against violations of Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law.
Based on a report received by CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II, the first operation was carried out from around 9:50 pm on June 13 until 11:10 am on June 14 in Barangay San Ignacio, Manay.
CIDG personnel, together with local police units and in coordination with the Bureau of Internal Revenue in Mati City, arrested three male suspects who were allegedly in possession and control of 81 master cases of Cannon cigarettes.
Authorities said the seized cigarettes had no required graphic health warnings and BIR tax stamps. The haul was valued at P8.1 million.
In a follow-up operation at about 5:20 pm on June 14 in the same barangay, CIDG operatives confiscated another 27 master cases and 50 reams of cigarettes, also allegedly without graphic health warnings and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) tax stamps.
The second seizure was valued at P2.8 million. Authorities also confiscated a Mitsubishi L300 van allegedly used to transport the cigarettes.
Morico said the operation supports the state policy of protecting public health, promoting health awareness, and shielding consumers from substandard tobacco products and trade malpractices.
Republic Act No. 10643 requires picture-based health warnings on tobacco product packaging to inform the public of the health risks linked to smoking.
The CIDG chief also stressed the importance of enforcing tax laws, saying stronger tax administration helps protect government revenue and support economic activity.
Commended for the successful operation were Lt. Col. Ariel Huesca, acting regional chief of CIDG Regional Field Unit 11, and the Davao Oriental Provincial Field Unit led by Maj. Macdum Enca.
The CIDG said the intensified law enforcement drive is in line with the priority program of Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
The group vowed to continue pursuing individuals and networks involved in the trade, transport, and distribution of illicit and smuggled tobacco products across the country.