Camp Col Romeo A Abendan, Zamboanga City, Philippines — A series of coordinated law enforcement operations conducted by various police units and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Zamboanga Peninsula resulted in the seizure and recovery of a total of 794 master cases and 577 reams of assorted undocumented and smuggled cigarettes, with a combined estimated market value of ₱124,540,535.37.

On October 1, 2026, from approximately 10:32 AM to 6:00 PM, operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Zamboanga City Field Unit, together with personnel from Zamboanga City Police Station (ZCPS) 5, Zamboanga City Police Office, PNP Special Action Force, 1st Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company (ZCMFC), and Bureau of Customs (BOC) Regional Office IX, conducted a coordinated operation at Sitio Tala, Barangay Lumbangan, Zamboanga City.

During the operation, authorities discovered 367 master cases and 90 reams of assorted imported cigarettes believed to have been unlawfully introduced into the country. Further inspection of the area led to the discovery of an underground storage facility, where an additional 337 master cases and 392 reams of undocumented cigarettes were recovered. The seized items were found to be undocumented and in violation of existing customs laws, rules, and regulations, particularly Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and Republic Act No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.

The operation yielded a total of 704 master cases and 482 reams of undocumented cigarettes, with an estimated market value of ₱112,686,535.37. The final examination, assessment, and valuation of the seized items remain subject to completion by the BOC. The confiscated cigarettes were subsequently placed under the custody of BOC, Regional Office IX for proper disposition.

Meanwhile, at approximately 3:55 PM on October 2, 2026, personnel of the Naga Municipal Police Station (MPS), in coordination with personnel of the Philippine Army, conducted a random checkpoint along the National Highway, Purok Lubay, Barangay La Paz, Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The operation resulted in the arrest of two male individuals, an 18-year-old and a 24-year-old, both residents of Purok Seaside, Barangay Poblacion, Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay. Authorities confiscated a total of 18 master cases and 95 reams of assorted smuggled cigarettes, with an estimated value of ₱1,074,000.00, based on the BOC standard value.

The arrested individuals and the confiscated items were brought to Naga MPS for documentation and subsequent turnover to the BOC for proper disposition and appropriate legal action under Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

Earlier, at approximately 4:25 AM on September 30, 2026, personnel of the 2nd ZCMFC, in coordination with the Regional Intelligence Division and ZCPS 10, conducted a joint law enforcement operation along the shoreline near Puerto Villa Resort, Barangay Patalon, Zamboanga City.

The operation resulted in the recovery of 72 master cases of assorted cigarettes believed to have been abandoned along the shoreline. The recovered items were brought to the 2nd ZCMFC for documentation and inventory.

In coordination with the BOC, Port of Zamboanga, and ZCPS 10, the inventory confirmed a total of 72 master cases of assorted smuggled cigarettes, with an estimated market value of ₱10,780,000.00. The recovered contraband will be turned over to the BOC for proper disposition and appropriate action.

“This accomplishment demonstrates that strong coordination and unified action are our greatest strengths in the fight against smuggling. When our police units and partner agencies work together, share timely information, and act decisively, we can effectively disrupt the movement of illicit goods and protect our communities and legitimate businesses. We will continue to strengthen this partnership and ensure that the law is enforced with firmness, professionalism, and resolve,” Police Brigadier General Elmer E Ragay, Regional Director, PRO 9 said.

PRO 9 remains relentless in its campaign against smuggling, illegal trade, and all forms of criminality. In line with the Chief, PNP mantra, “Sa Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman,” PRO 9 will continue to strengthen law enforcement operations and strategic partnerships to uphold the rule of law and ensure a safer, more secure, and economically stable Region 9. (PIO, PRO 9).