The Philippine National Police (PNP), in close coordination with the Bureau of Customs (BOC), achieved a major anti-smuggling success after an intelligence-driven operation led to the recovery of smuggled cigarettes valued at nearly Php97.5 Million in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte.
The operation was conducted at around 6:00 AM on January 6, 2026, in Barangay Gumagadong-Calawag by joint operatives of the Regional Intelligence Division, Regional Drug Enforcement Unit–Special Operations Group, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-A, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, and the Parang Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the BOC–Davao District.
Authorities were acting on validated intelligence reports indicating that a warehouse in the area was being used for the storage and distribution of smuggled cigarettes, in violation of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and Republic Act No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural and Economic Sabotage Act.
During the service of the Letter of Authority, the premises initially appeared empty. However, operatives observed portions of the ground that were unusually soft and showed signs of recent disturbance. Upon further inspection, buried cases of cigarettes and tobacco products were discovered beneath the surface, confirming the deliberate concealment of contraband.
Excavation operations continued until 5:15 PM on January 7, resulting in the recovery of 2,483 master cases of smuggled cigarettes with an estimated market value of Php97,457,750. The recovered contraband was loaded onto seven transport vehicles and securely hauled to the BOC–Davao District Office in Panabo City for proper disposition and re-evaluation.
Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Acting PNP Chief, commended the operating units and highlighted the importance of sustained inter-agency cooperation in dismantling smuggling operations.
“This was the result of solid intelligence work and close coordination with the Bureau of Customs. Hindi natin hahayaang sirain ng smuggling ang ating ekonomiya at kabuhayan. Kung may iligal na itinatago, sisiguraduhin ng PNP na ito ay matutuklasan at mapanagot sa ilalim ng batas,” he said.
Personnel from BOC were present and actively participated during the excavation, hauling, and initial inventory of the seized items. Prior to the withdrawal of operating units, the site was formally turned over to the barangay leadership, and the excavated area was restored to its original condition.
In coordination with the BOC, the PNP is now undertaking a comprehensive case build-up, including the preparation of inventory reports, sworn statements, and other documentary requirements to support the filing of appropriate criminal charges under existing laws, as of this writing.
The recovery of the smuggled cigarettes underscores the PNP’s firm commitment to intelligence-driven operations, strengthened inter-agency collaboration, and decisive enforcement actions against economic sabotage. The police force reiterated that intensified operations against smuggling activities will continue nationwide to protect government revenues, uphold the rule of law, and safeguard the welfare of legitimate businesses and the public.
