KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has reaffirmed its commitment to intensify operations against the distribution and sale of illicit cigarettes as part of efforts to combat tobacco smuggling across the Soccsksargen region.
Amid the growing incidence of smuggling, particularly of cigarettes, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 has stepped up its anti-smuggling initiatives in coordination with other law enforcement agencies.
“We at PRO 12 ang pinakamaraming (have the most number of) accomplishments when it comes to anti-cigarette smuggling. We are also keeping in touch with the Bureau of Customs,” said Brig. Gen. Arnold P. Ardiente, regional director of PRO 12.
“Sa ngayon, binabantayan natin ito. Even yung mga tindahan na nagbebenta ng smuggled cigarettes ay pinapa-confiscate natin at patuloy na ipinagbabawal,” Ardiente said.
(For now, we are monitoring the situation. Smuggled cigarettes sold in stores are being confiscated and remain prohibited.)
In the third quarter meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC), a report on anti-smuggling and illicit trade revealed that in Mindanao, smuggled cigarettes are being sold for as low as ₱50 per pack, compared to legitimate brands priced at ₱140.
The report noted that the significantly lower prices of these illicit products make them more appealing and accessible to consumers.
A recent survey also found that 52 percent of respondents in Mindanao had encountered illegal cigarette products being sold in their areas.
Among the Mindanao regions, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was identified as a hotspot for illicit trade, according to the same report.
Between September 13 and 19, 2025, PRO 12 conducted 42 anti-smuggling operations that resulted in the arrest of 35 individuals directly involved in smuggling activities.
Authorities also seized 8,292 reams of smuggled cigarettes, estimated to be worth ₱6,721,083.54. (SZT, PIA Region 12)
