Police arrested five individuals and seized 3,935 reams of allegedly smuggled cigarettes worth more than Php 4.5 million in four separate anti-smuggling operations across Mindanao from November 11 to 13, 2026.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the operations were conducted in South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Zamboanga del Sur as part of intensified efforts to curb the illegal cigarette trade.
According to the PNP, the confiscated cigarettes had a combined estimated value of Php 4,511,924.
The largest seizure occurred on November 13 in Barangay Teniapan, San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur, where authorities arrested one suspect during a buy-bust operation.
Operatives confiscated 3,000 reams of cigarettes valued at Php 3.51 million, a .45-caliber pistol and buy-bust money.
The operation was conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Special Operations Team 9, together with the San Pablo Municipal Police Station, Zamboanga del Sur Police Intelligence Unit and Regional Intelligence Unit 9.
In Barangay Panay, Sto. Niño, South Cotabato, police intercepted 120 reams of branded cigarettes worth Php 102,684 during a checkpoint operation.
The operation was carried out by the Sto. Niño Municipal Police Station and the 2nd South Cotabato Provincial Mobile Force Company.
Two minors were also placed under protective custody, according to authorities.
Meanwhile, in Barangay Kilagasan, Kabacan, Cotabato, police and military personnel confiscated 415 reams of cigarettes valued at Php 355,240.
The operation involved the Kabacan Municipal Police Station and the Philippine Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion.
In Sultan Kudarat, authorities seized another 400 reams of cigarettes worth Php 544,000 during a maritime patrol approximately seven kilometers off the coast of Barangay Tran, Lebak.
Personnel from the Sultan Kudarat Maritime Police Station, Kalamansig and Lebak maritime law enforcement teams, and the Lebak Municipal Police Station participated in the operation.
The PNP said the four operations resulted in five arrests, while appropriate criminal charges were being prepared against the suspects.
Authorities are examining possible violations of Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, and other applicable laws and regulations governing the cigarette trade.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police would continue pursuing individuals and groups involved in illegal cigarette distribution.
“These operations demonstrate our resolve to stop the illegal cigarette trade and hold those behind it accountable. We will sustain our enforcement efforts to ensure that offenders cannot use our communities as channels for unlawful business,” Nartatez said.
“Hindi natin palalampasin ang mga gawaing ito. Sisiguraduhin nating mananagot ang mga sangkot at patuloy nating paiigtingin ang mga hakbang upang mapigilan ang paglaganap ng ilegal na bentahan ng sigarilyo,” he added.
The PNP said the operations formed part of its Focused Agenda on enhanced police operations, which prioritizes intelligence-driven enforcement against smuggling and other illicit activities.
The police organization also reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying anti-smuggling operations under the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr
