Police arrested three individuals and confiscated approximately P11.6 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in separate operations in Zamboanga del Sur and Lanao del Sur provinces on June 28, 2026, officials reported on Monday, June 29.
Confiscated goods valued at over P11 million
Of the total seizure, P9.47 million worth of smuggled cigarettes were recovered in Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur, while the remaining P2.18 million were seized in Marantao, Lanao del Sur. The operations were conducted on the evening of June 28.
Arrests and recovery in Pitogo
Police Colonel Bonifacio Arañas Jr., director of Zamboanga del Sur police, said three individuals were arrested during the operation in Pitogo around 10:30 p.m. Sunday. "The other suspects escaped," Arañas stated in his report, without specifying the number of fugitives.
During the operation, authorities recovered police-issued uniforms, identification cards, and other government items belonging to two policemen from two abandoned vehicles left by fleeing suspects. Arañas emphasized that a thorough investigation is underway and appropriate criminal and administrative charges will be filed. "The Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office has a zero-tolerance policy against any personnel involved in illegal activities," he said, assuring the public that no one is above the law and the police remain committed to integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
Contraband abandoned in Marantao
In a separate incident, Police Colonel Caezar Cabuhat, Lanao del Sur police director, reported that smuggled cigarettes were recovered along a diversion road in Tacub Pindolonan village, Marantao town, on Sunday evening, June 28.
Cabuhat said a village councilor and members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) reported seeing several individuals aboard three vehicles dumping contraband boxes upon noticing a police checkpoint. "Acting on the report, responding personnel immediately proceeded to the area and recovered 51 boxes containing 2,550 reams of assorted alleged smuggled cigarettes, with an estimated market value of P2,181,984," Cabuhat said in his report. Investigation revealed that the unidentified suspects abandoned the contraband after noticing the police checkpoint in an apparent attempt to evade arrest.
The recovered cigarettes were brought to Marantao Municipal Police Station for documentation and safekeeping, pending turnover to the appropriate government agency for further investigation and legal disposition.
