SOURCE: RPIO PRO10
CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City – Personnel from the 51st Mechanized Company, 5th Mechanized Battalion, Armor Division, Philippine Army, successfully intercepted a vehicle carrying smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint in front of the AFP Patrol Base at Brgy. Rebucon, Nunungan, Lanao del Norte, on February 10, 2025.
The operation led to the arrest of two individuals identified by their aliases as “Boss”, 50 years old, and “James”, 30 years old, both residents of Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte.
Authorities flagged down a Mazda Titan (Bongo) which was transporting sacks of harvested corn. Upon inspection, personnel discovered smuggled cigarettes concealed among the sacks. The suspects failed to present the necessary legal documents for the cigarettes, claiming they were merely representatives of an undisclosed employer tasked with distributing the illicit products.
Confiscated from the suspects’ possession were 16 master cases of New Far (red) containing 800 reams, four cases of New Far (white) containing 200 reams, with a total estimated market value of PhP800,000.00.
The suspects and the confiscated contraband are now under the custody of the Nunungan Municipal Police Station (MPS) in Sitio Bobong, Brgy. Abaga, Nunungan, Lanao del Norte, for proper disposition. A case for violation of R.A. No. 10643, also known as the Graphic Health Warnings Law, will be filed against them.
PBGEN JAYSEN C DE GUZMAN, Regional Director, PRO10, commended the successful operation, emphasizing the importance of stringent measures against illicit trade.
“PRO 10, in coordination with the AFP and other law enforcement agencies, remains steadfast in enforcing the law and curbing smuggling activities across Northern Mindanao. This operation serves as a strong warning to those engaged in illegal tobacco trade that we will continue to intensify our efforts to hold them accountable,” he said.
