DIGOS: The Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 in the Davao Region has announced a significant interception of smuggled cigarettes, involving 308 master cases with an estimated value of PHP4.6 million. The seizures occurred in two separate operations conducted on October 29 and 30 in Digos City, Davao del Sur.
According to Philippines News Agency, on October 30, officers from the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) 11 seized 267 cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes. These were discovered piled along the roadside in Barangay Tres de Mayo, following a tip-off from an informant. The officers coordinated with the Digos City Police Station to ensure proper documentation of the seized goods.
In a statement, Brig. Gen. Leon Victor Rosete, the acting director of PRO-11, emphasized the commitment of PRO-11 to support government efforts aimed at protecting revenue through fair and transparent customs enforcement.
A separate incident on October 29 involved RSOG-11 personnel conducting anti-criminality patrols. Dur
ing these patrols, they noticed two individuals unloading cigarette cases. When approached, the suspects fled in a minivan, leading to a pursuit which resulted in the confiscation of an additional 41 master cases, valued at PHP600,000.
All confiscated cigarettes are currently held at the Digos City Police Station and are slated for transfer to the Bureau of Customs for appropriate processing and disposal.
.
