Picong: Police officers confiscated about PHP70 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Picong, Lanao del Sur, following intelligence reports that three makeshift warehouses were being used as storage and drop-off points for contraband.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office chief Col. Caezar Cabuhat confirmed that 16 individuals were arrested inside the warehouses located in Barangay Liyangan, a coastal village of Picong. The operation was led by the 1402nd Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 14-A. Four minors found inside the warehouses were turned over to the social welfare office in Picong.
Four individuals managed to elude arrest during the 3 a.m. operation. Cabuhat stated that police found several individuals handling boxes of cigarettes inside the temporary storage facilities. The individuals failed to present documents legalizing the shipment.
Police recovered 1,800 master cases of various cigarette brands believed to be smuggled from Malaysia or Indonesia. The cigarettes were intended for distribution to towns in Lanao del Sur and stores in Maguindanao del Norte.
Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abecia highlighted the strong coordination among law enforcement units and partner agencies during the operation. A manhunt for the four individuals who escaped is ongoing.
