CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City – The Regional Special Operations Unit 10 (RSOU 10), together with Laguindingan Municipal Police Station (MPS), confiscated approximately PhP7,040,000.00 worth of smuggled cigarettes in P-12, Brgy. Poblacion, Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental at around 10:45 PM on August 11, 2025.
The suspects were identified by their aliases as “Tata”, 40, driver, married, and “Aboy”, 25, helper, single, both residents of the aforementioned place.
The operation stemmed from validated intelligence reports and a series of casing and surveillance confirming that the suspects were engaged in holding, transporting, and distributing smuggled cigarettes within Misamis Oriental.
Accordingly, the smuggled cigarettes reportedly came from Zamboanga del Sur and were transported via wing van to Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, where they were stored in a warehouse. Allegedly, these cigarettes will be picked up by a buyer from Bukidnon. It was further learned that the vehicle transporting the smuggled cigarettes usually traveled during the early morning hours when roads were less busy.
During the operation, the authorities caught the suspects in flagrante delicto while preparing and extracting stocks of smuggled cigarettes outside their warehouse.
Confiscated from the operation were 101 boxes of “NELSON” brand, 34 boxes of “FORT” brand, 29 boxes of “ASTRO” brand, and 12 boxes of “COMMANDO” brand with a total market value of PhP7,040,000.00.
The arrested individuals and seized smuggled cigarettes are now under the custody of Laguindingan MPS. The confiscated contraband will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition. A case for violation of R.A. 10643 (Graphic Health Warnings Law) will be filed against the suspects.
PBGEN ROLINDO M SUGUILON, Regional Director, PRO10, lauded the joint effort of RSOU 10 and Laguindingan MPS for the successful seizure of the said contraband.
“I commend the RSOU 10 and Laguindingan MPS for a job well done. PRO10 remains steadfast in its commitment to enforce our laws and ensure that those who attempt to profit from illegal activities will be held accountable,” he said.
The Regional Director also urged the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement authorities by reporting any suspicious activities, emphasizing that public participation is vital in eradicating smuggling and other forms of criminality in Northern Mindanao.
SOURCE: RPIO PRO10
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