Photo courtesy of PNP/Facebook.
Authorities confiscated more than Php 78 million worth of undocumented cigarettes in separate operations in Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental on April 30 and May 1, 2026, with eight individuals taken into custody.
The initial operation on April 30 was carried out after authorities received information from a barangay official about the alleged transfer of cigarettes in Barangay Pundaguitan.
A combined team from the local police, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Region 11, Regional Intelligence Unit 11, Philippine Coast Guard, Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation 11, and other units stopped a wing van truck in the area.
One driver was arrested, and 504 master cases of cigarettes were found, along with the vehicle used, with an estimated value of Php 25.2 million.
On May 1, authorities conducted a follow-up maritime operation in the waters off Governor Generoso involving the Regional Maritime Unit 11, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, intelligence units, and the Davao City Police Office.
During a patrol in the Davao Gulf, personnel intercepted a vessel identified as M/B Bukal after it failed to respond to repeated communication attempts, leading to a boarding and inspection.
Seven individuals, including the boat captain and crew, were arrested, and 1,246 master cases of undocumented cigarettes were discovered onboard, along with the vessel, with an estimated value of Php 52.96 million.
The arrested individuals were taken into custody and will face charges for violations of laws on illicit tobacco trade and related regulations.