Matanog: Police personnel, acting on a tip about the transport of smuggled cigarettes, arrested a woman and seized from her over PHP1.8 million worth of contraband along the national highway in Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte, on Thursday noon.

According to Philippines News Agency, Brig Gen. Jaysen de Guzman, police regional director for Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), stated that joint personnel from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, the police's Special Action Force, and Matanog municipal police station intercepted the woman in Barangay Bugasan Norte, Matanog.

The operation led to the seizure of 35 master cases of Fort cigarettes, each containing 50 reams, along with two vehicles, a multi-cab and a minivan, and the marked money used in the operation. De Guzman highlighted the timely action of the troops following information regarding an individual involved in the illegal sale and transport of undocumented cigarettes that lacked the required graphic health warnings.

An on-site inventory of the confiscated items was conducted immediately in the presence of a barangay official to ensure transparency and adherence to proper procedures. The arrested suspect was informed of her constitutional rights, including those under Republic Act 9745, in a language known and understood by her. The suspect and the confiscated evidence were taken to the CIDG Regional Field Unit BAR Office for documentation and disposition.

De Guzman commended the operating units and reaffirmed the organization's intensified campaign against smuggling. He emphasized that the operation sends a clear message that PRO-BAR remains firm against illegal trade. He assured that the pursuit of offenders and holding them accountable will continue.

De Guzman also emphasized the importance of interagency collaboration and assured the public of sustained and strengthened operations to curb all forms of illegal activity across the region.