Authorities seized alleged smuggled cigarettes worth more than P82 million in separate operations in Maguindanao del Norte and Misamis Oriental on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
In Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, operatives confiscated around 1,170 cases of alleged smuggled cigarettes worth more than P50 million in an anti-smuggling operation in Barangay Dinaig Proper on April 2, 2026.
The operation was carried out after police received information from concerned citizens about the presence of the contraband abandoned near a riverbank.
Police said the suspects abandoned the cigarettes after noticing the arrival of the operating team.
Authorities also recovered two M79 grenade launchers in the area.
The items seized were turned over to the Bureau of Customs while the M79 grenade launchers were brought to the police for examination.
The Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) launched an investigation to identify the individuals behind the recovered contraband.
Meanwhile, authorities also seized alleged smuggled cigarettes worth nearly P33 million in separate anti-smuggling operations in Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental on Good Friday.
Personnel of the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) launched an operation after receiving information regarding a wing van truck allegedly loaded with smuggled cigarettes parked by the road.
PRO-10 said the driver reportedly fled after noticing the authorities approaching.
During inspection, up to 496 master cases of cigarettes without the required graphic health warning labels and excise tax stamps, worth nearly P20 million were confiscated.
In Barangay Candiis, police recovered suspected smuggled cigarettes worth nearly P13,000 from a wing van truck parked improperly by the road and left unattended.
Based on investigation, the two vehicles involved were allegedly en route to the Caraga region. However, authorities are still looking into whether the vehicles originated from the same source.
“These successful back-to-back operations underscore our intensified efforts to secure Northern Mindanao during the Holy Week. While many observe this sacred time, PRO10 remains vigilant against all forms of illegal activities, including smuggling, which undermines our economy and public welfare,” PRO-10 Director, Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano, said.
