Major Smuggling Bust in Negros Occidental: P13.75 Million in Cigarettes Seized, Four Suspects Apprehended
In a significant crackdown on illicit trade, law enforcement authorities in Negros Occidental conducted a successful operation resulting in the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of smuggled cigarettes valued at approximately P13.750 million. The raid took place on April 17, 2026, at the Wild Duck Resort located in Barangay Pook, Hinobaan, Negros Occidental.
Suspects Identified and Charges Detailed
Police have identified the four suspects involved in this smuggling operation, all of whom are currently in custody. The individuals include:
- Alias Fat, aged 39, originally from Jolo, Sulu, with a temporary residence in Barangay 16, Bacolod City.
- Alias Bry, aged 40, a resident of Evangeline Heights Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.
- Alias Pip, aged 57, residing in Purok Malipayon, Barangay 35, Bacolod City.
- Alias Rom, aged 43, from Purok Rosal, Barangay Viterans, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, the chief of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) Public Information Office, the suspects were apprehended in flagrante delicto. They were found in possession and control of large quantities of illicit cigarettes that lacked the mandatory Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) tax stamps. This constitutes a violation of Republic Act 10643, also known as the Graphic Health Warnings Law, as well as relevant provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, which was amended by Republic Act 10963.
Operation Details and Seized Evidence
The operation was spearheaded by the Regional Intelligence Division (RID) of PRO-NIR, with support from various other law enforcement units within the Negros Island Region. This action was the result of intensified intelligence monitoring and coordinated efforts among concerned agencies.
Authorities recovered substantial evidence from the suspects, including:
- One silver Isuzu Elf six-wheeler panel van.
- One white Isuzu Elf six-wheeler panel van.
- 188 master cases of Canon Black Menthol cigarettes, each containing 50 reams.
- 87 master cases of Canon Menthol cigarettes, each containing 50 reams.
All of the confiscated cigarette cases were confirmed to be without the required BIR tax stamps, underscoring their illicit nature.
Legal Proceedings and Broader Implications
The suspects are currently detained at the custodial facility of the RID PRO-NIR, while the seized evidence has been formally turned over to the Bureau of Internal Revenue office in Bacolod City for further investigation and legal processing.
Lieutenant Colonel Malong emphasized that this operation is part of a broader initiative to combat the proliferation of illicit tobacco products and economic sabotage. He highlighted that such illegal activities not only significantly undermine government revenue collection but also pose serious risks to public health due to the unregulated nature of the products.
PRO-NIR has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying intelligence-driven operations and strengthening inter-agency collaboration to curb all forms of illegal trade within the region. Malong also issued a call to the community, urging vigilance and proactive reporting of suspicious activities. He stressed that collective action is vital in safeguarding the region from unlawful enterprises and ensuring public safety.
