The Whole-of-Nation approach is continuously achieving breakthroughs, under the leadership of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., as the nation intensifies its fight against all forms of smuggling. With the strict implementation of policies promoting an inclusive and sustainable peace, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has successfully intercepted smuggled cigarettes worth Php9.5 Million during a checkpoint operation in Maguindanao del Norte.
At around 1:30 AM on October 2, 2025, operatives from the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station (MPS) flagged down two trucks–a white Isuzu closed van and an Isuzu gas tanker, along the national highway in Barangay Poblacion, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte. Upon inspection, authorities seized a total of 266 boxes of smuggled cigarettes bearing foreign brands Canon, Green Hills, and Bros, all marked “For Export Only”.
The operation also resulted in the arrest of two male individuals, known by their aliases “Ryan” and “Mark,” both residents of Tacurong City, who attempted to transport the contraband.
As of this writing, the seized items and vehicles are under the custody of the Datu Odin Sinsuat MPS, while the suspects face charges for violation of Republic Act 10863 otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), and are set for inquest proceedings.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Esmael Madin, Chief of Police of Datu Odin Sinsuat MPS, commended his personnel for the successful operation.
In his message, Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Acting PNP Chief, emphasized the significance of the operation in the broader effort to curb smuggling and protect local industries.
“The illegal entry of goods, particularly contraband cigarettes, not only deprives the government of much-needed revenue but also undermines the welfare of legitimate businesses. Under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., PNP will relentlessly pursue all forms of smuggling and organized crime to ensure that no syndicate can operate with impunity in the country,” said PLtGen Nartatez, underscoring the PNP’s steadfast commitment to uphold the law and protect the local economy from the dangers of smuggling.
PNP reaffirms its firm stance in safeguarding the Filipino people and the nation’s interests. The confiscation of the smuggled goods stands as a testament to the dedication of the police force while sending a strong message that smuggling has no place in the Bagong Pilipinas.
