CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City – A failed attempt to evade a police checkpoint resulted in the confiscation of PhP1.2 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and the arrest of two suspects in Nunungan, Lanao del Norte at around 8:00 PM on August 20, 2025.
The arrested individuals were identified as Saide, 29 years old, married, driver, and Baste, 29 years old, single, assistant driver, both residents of Tubod, Lanao del Norte.
Reports revealed that personnel of the Nunungan Municipal Police Station (MPS) were conducting mobile patrol when they received a tip from concerned citizens about a suspicious vehicle temporarily parked at Purok 1, Brgy. Masibay, Nunungan. The red Toyota Innova was reportedly parked about 40 meters away from an ongoing checkpoint to avoid inspection.
Responding joint operatives of Nunungan MPS, 2nd PMFC, and the Maritime Monitoring Team of LDN MARSTA immediately proceeded to the location. Through the vehicle’s open window, they observed several boxes of cigarettes. When asked, the suspects failed to present any legal documents for the items.
Accordingly, the smuggled cigarettes allegedly originated from Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte, and were bound for Tubod, Lanao del Norte.
Confiscated items included 11 master cases of New Far (Red), 10 master cases of New Far (Green), 3 master cases of New Berlin (Red), 3 master cases of Fort, and 3 master cases of Cannon, with a total estimated market value of PhP1,200,000.00.
The suspects and the confiscated items are now under the custody of Nunungan MPS and will be turnover to the Bureau of Customs-Iligan City for proper disposition.
PBGEN ROLINDO M SUGUILON, Regional Director, PRO10, commended the swift action of the operating units and the vigilance of the community that led to the successful interception.
“This accomplishment shows that criminals cannot escape the law by simply evading checkpoints. The vigilance of our citizens and the quick response of our police personnel ensured that this illegal shipment was stopped. PRO10 will continue to intensify operations to protect our economy and communities from the dangers of smuggling,” he said.
He further assured the public that intensified operations will continue in Northern Mindanao to curb the entry and distribution of smuggled goods.SOURCE: RPIO PRO10
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