29/06/2026
₱30.4 MILLION WORTH OF SMUGGLED CI******ES INTERCEPTED BY CIDG DORPFU, 33 ARRESTED AND FIVE (5) MINORS RESCUED IN DAVAO ORIENTAL
In a significant blow against cigarette smuggling and economic sabotage, operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit 11 (CIDG RFU11), through the Davao Oriental Provincial Field Unit (DORPFU), successfully intercepted the transport and distribution of smuggled ci******es with an estimated market value of ₱30,400,000.00 during a series of operations conducted under OPLAN MEGASHOPPER on June 25-26, 2026, in Mati City, Davao Oriental.
The operations resulted in the arrest of 38 individuals, including drivers and passengers of several vehicles allegedly involved in the illegal transport of illicit ci******es. Among those apprehended were two individuals identified only by their aliases, "Tahor" and "Jok," who served as the driver and passenger, respectively, of one of the intercepted wing van trucks. The occupants of three other vehicles linked to the smuggling operation were likewise arrested.
Of the total number of arrested individuals, five (5) were minors. They were immediately turned over to the Mati City City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) for proper intervention and disposition in accordance with existing laws and procedures.
A joint operation was subsequently launched by personnel from CIDG Davao Oriental PFU, PIT-RIU11, S2 DOPPO, 2nd PMFC Davao Oriental, PHPT Davao Oriental, Lupon MPS, DOPMFC, NISG Eastern Mindanao, and Davao Oriental MARPSTA. The operating teams carried out coordinated police response and follow-up operations targeting the transport and distribution network of smuggled ci******es.
The operating team intercepted a wing van truck (Plate No. GCS 7189) along the Surigao–Davao Coastal Road in Barangay Badas, Mati City. The vehicle was found transporting 407 master cases of illicit ci******es with an estimated market value of ₱20,350,000.00, based on the National To***co Administration (NTA) Certification using the minimum market value of ₱100.00 per pack.
Another wing van truck (Plate No. NFV 7247) was intercepted in Golden Valley, Mapantad, Barangay Sainz, Mati City. Authorities recovered 201 master cases of illicit ci******es with an estimated market value of ₱10,050,000.00, likewise based on the NTA Certification. Investigation revealed that the vehicle was directly connected to the earlier operation.
Meanwhile, authorities recovered an improvised bamboo raft or "balsa" fitted with plastic drums at Magkuno Beach Resort. Initial investigation indicated that the raft had allegedly been used to ferry smuggled ci******es from a docked Jungkong vessel offshore to the shoreline for subsequent loading and distribution.
The total estimated market value of all seized illicit ci******es reached ₱30,400,000.00, based on the NTA Certification.
Charges for violation of Section 7 of Republic Act No. 12022, otherwise known as the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, are currently being prepared against the suspects.