Vallehermoso: Police arrested four male suspects and seized PHP2.6 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes in Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental on Saturday. Capt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, stated that the suspects, who were onboard two vehicles, became the focus of the operation after a tipster alerted authorities about the transportation of alleged smuggled cigarettes.

According to Philippines News Agency, the suspects were traveling from Guihulngan City to Vallehermoso when the police received the tip at around 3 a.m., prompting the establishment of checkpoints. In an attempt to evade police blockades, the two vehicles were involved in accidents at separate sites in Vallehermoso.

Authorities recovered a total of 29 master cases and 1,184 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes from the crash sites. One vehicle reportedly lost control in Barangay Puan, Vallehermoso, spilling several master cases and reams of cigarettes. The driver was extricated by emergency responders while his passenger was arrested onsite.

In Barangay Molobolo, the other vehicle crashed into roadside railings, resulting in injuries to the driver and the passenger. They were all taken to the Vallehermoso Rural Health Unit. Two of the suspects are from Misamis Oriental, one is from Lanao del Sur, and the other from Escalante City, Negros Occidental.

The suspects are currently in the custody of the Vallehermoso police as appropriate charges are being prepared against them.