By CESAR JOLITO III
Four individuals were arrested while smuggled cigarettes worth approximately P13.75 million were confiscated during a law enforcement operation at a resort at Barangay Pook in Negros Occidental’s Hinoba-an town.
Authorities identified the suspects as a 39-year-old native of Jolo, Sulu currently staying in Bacolod City’s Barangay 16; a 43- and a 40-year-old from Zamboanga Sibugay’s Ipil town, and a 57-year-old from Bacolod’s Barangay 35.
According to Lt. Colonel Joem Malong, chief of the Public Information Office of the Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), the operation was led by the Regional Intelligence Division, with support from other law enforcement units.
The raid stemmed from intensified intelligence monitoring and coordination among agencies targeting illegal trade activities in the region.
The suspects were apprehended in flagrante delicto while allegedly in possession of large quantities of illicit cigarettes without the required Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) tax stamps.
The operation resulted in the seizure of 275 master cases of cigarettes, including 188 cases and 87 cases of another brand, each containing 50 reams.
Also recovered were two six-wheeler panel vans believed to have been used in transporting the contraband.
Police said the suspects may face charges for violating Republic Act 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, along with provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended by Republic Act 10963.
The arrested individuals are currently detained at the custodial facility of the PRO-NIR Regional Intelligence Division, while the confiscated items have been turned over to the BIR office in Bacolod City for proper disposition.
Malong emphasized that operations against illicit tobacco products have been intensified, noting that smuggling undermines government revenue and poses risks to public health.
He also assured continued intelligence-driven operations and stronger interagency collaboration to combat illegal trade.
Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, stressing that community cooperation is crucial in addressing criminal activities in the region./CJ, WDJ