The Police Regional Office of Negros Island Region achieved a significant breakthrough in combating large-scale cigarette smuggling by successfully intercepting an illegal shipment and apprehending ten individuals during an intelligence-driven operation in Sitio Labugon, Barangay Nagbo-alao, Basay, Negros Oriental, at approximately 11:15 PM on May 16, 2026.

This operation was conducted by RID, PRO NIR, with assistance from PIU NOrPPO, Basay Municipal Police Station, Special Operations Unit, Coast Guard Intelligence Group Southern Visayas, Coast Guard Sub-Station Basay, 4th SOU Maritime, and Regional Maritime Unit SOT NIR, in close coordination with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

The persons of interest were identified as:

– Alias “Sar,” 54 years old, married, residing in East Balabag, Valencia, Negros Oriental (Truck Driver);

– Alias “Al,” 42 years old, married, residing in John Ston subdivision, Barangay San Roque, Zamboanga City (Driver);

– Alias “Pao,” 45 years old, married, from Pandami, Suba-Suba, Sulu;

– Alias “Vin,” 41 years old, married, from Arat Jolo, Sulu;

– Alias “Ron,” 53 years old, from Pandami, Suba-Suba, Jolo, Sulu;

– Alias “Don,” 30 years old, married, from Tulay Zone 3, Jolo, Sulu;

– Alias “Al,” 45 years old, married, from Sun Village, Makati Subd., Jolo, Sulu;

– Alias “Gad,” 62 years old, single, from Bungao, Barangay Nalil, Tawi-Tawi;

– Alias “Jid,” 40 years old, married, from Bungao, Barangay Nalil, Tawi-Tawi; and

– Alias “Jul,” 52 years old, married, from Barangay Tulay, Zone 3, Jolo, Sulu.

The operation was initiated based on a verified intelligence report received by RID, PRO NIR, concerning the unloading of boxes of cigarettes from a suspected illegal shipment of illicit tobacco products in a ten-wheeler closed van. 

Acting promptly on this intelligence, joint operatives conducted verification and surveillance activities, which ultimately led to the interception of the shipment and the arrest of the suspects.

Authorities discovered that the seized cigarettes bore unauthorized tax seals and lacked the mandated graphic health warning labels as required under Republic Act No. 10643, also known as the “Graphic Health Warning Law.” 

This violation was in contravention of Republic Act No. 10863 or the “Customs Modernization and Tariff Act,” along with other pertinent laws under Republic Act No. 12022.

During the operation, law enforcement confiscated approximately seven hundred (700) master cases of Cigarettes branded Bosqu; one (1) ten-wheeler closed van; a blue motorized banca (Junkong); two touchscreen mobile phones—one Vivo (blue) and an iPhone (gray and black); a white Ford Explorer; and a white Mitsubishi L300.

The master cases of cigarettes were transported to the RID Regional Office for proper custody and safekeeping. The banca was turned over to the Maritime Special Operations Unit for appropriate disposition. The suspects were detained at Basay Municipal Police Station for documentation and the filing of formal charges.

PRO NIR emphasized that this achievement demonstrates the effectiveness of enhanced intelligence gathering, fortified border and coastal security measures, and increased inter-agency cooperation in combatting economic sabotage and illicit trade within the region. 

The Regional Police Office reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to proactively dismantling syndicates and individuals involved in smuggling activities that undermine lawful commerce, deprive the government of revenue, and threaten public welfare.

Through sustained intelligence-based operations and strengthened collaboration with law enforcement partners, PRO NIR remains dedicated to safeguarding the region from all forms of criminal conduct and ensuring that those engaged in illegal trade are held accountable.