Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro commended the coordinated efforts of police and partner government agencies that led to the seizure of an estimated ₱20 million worth of illicit cigarettes in Barangay Poblacion, Santander, Cebu, and directed law enforcement to pursue the remaining individual involved and sustain intensified operations against all forms of smuggling in the province.
“This successful operation reflects the effectiveness of intelligence-driven enforcement and strong inter-agency coordination,” Baricuatro said.
“We will not allow illegal trade to undermine public services and honest livelihoods.”
“But our directive is clear: pursue the last person involved and continue dismantling smuggling networks wherever they operate in Cebu. We will not allow illegal trade to undermine public services and honest livelihoods,” the lady governor stressed.
A joint checkpoint operation was conducted by combined elements of the Santander Municipal Police Station (MPS), Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO), Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7 (RMFB7), Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), Regional Intelligence Division 7 (RID7), and the Regional Special Project Unit 7 (RSPU7), in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Customs (BOC), and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). The operation was carried out based on verified intelligence under TIP No. H02-2026-RID7.
During the operation, authorities flagged down a closed van, which upon inspection, operatives discovered 200 boxes of cigarettes, with each box containing 50 reams, all branded ORIS.
Verification with the Bureau of Internal Revenue confirmed that ORIS is not included in the list of registered tobacco products authorized for legal sale in the Philippines, classifying the seized items as illicit tobacco products.
Investigation showed that the shipment originated from Negros Oriental, consistent with prior intelligence reports. The two people on board the van failed to present any legal documents authorizing the transport of the cigarettes.
Both individuals were arrested and will face charges for violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (Republic Act 10863) and Section 263 of the National Internal Revenue Code, which penalize the unlawful possession, transport, and distribution of untaxed tobacco products.
“The operation forms part of the government’s intensified campaign against cigarette smuggling, aimed at protecting government revenues, upholding the rule of law, and safeguarding public welfare.”
Police authorities underscored that the operation forms part of the government’s intensified campaign against cigarette smuggling, aimed at protecting government revenues, upholding the rule of law, and safeguarding public welfare.
The Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7) and the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) reaffirmed their commitment to work closely with partner agencies in dismantling smuggling networks and ensuring that all individuals involved in the illegal tobacco trade are identified, pursued, and held accountable.
