Davao del sur: Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) operatives have arrested two individuals for transporting PHP3.3 million worth of assorted brands of alleged illegal cigarettes during an operation in Davao del Sur.
According to Philippines News Agency, CIDG chief Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano stated that the suspects, known by the aliases "Arnel" and "Ramer," were apprehended during a law enforcement operation at the Kinuskusan Border Control Point, Bansalan, Davao del Sur on Monday. The operation targeted the illegal transportation of tobacco products lacking the necessary graphic health warning labels.
The CIDG confiscated 128 master cases of Cannon, Greenhill, and Bravo tobacco products valued at PHP3.3 million, alongside an Isuzu van and a cellular phone. The suspects will face charges before the National Prosecution Service for violations of Republic Act 10643, which pertains to the unlawful distribution of cigarettes without the mandated graphic health warnings.
In a separate incident, Abrahano reported that CIDG operatives arrested an individual identified as alias "Maro," 29, in Purok 3, Brgy. Malingao, Kadayangan, Cotabato, Special Geographic Area (SGA), Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The arrest was made on Aug. 21 based on warrants for murder and attempted murder issued by Branch 28 of the Regional Trial Court in Midsayap, North Cotabato, dated Oct. 7, 2019, and Jan. 22, 2020, respectively.
The operations led to the recovery of a caliber .45 pistol, a steel magazine, six rounds of live ammunition, four android smartphones, and three keypad cellular phones. Maro is listed as a member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF)-Bungos Faction under Commander Motorola and is ranked as the Number 9 Regional Level Most Wanted Person by the Police Regional Office (PRO) 12. On April 30, 2019, Maro and 11 other members of the BIFF-Bungos Faction were allegedly involved in the attack and killing of Tiyo Takuranga Egap, a community elder, in Brgy. Tumbras, Midsayap, North Cotabato.
