MALAYBALAY CITY (BukidnonNews.net/ 04 June 2025)—A motorcycle rider was caught smuggling cigarettes while plying Sitio Overview, Brgy. Palacapao, Quezon at 6:50 a.m. today, June 4.
According to the report by Bukidnon police director PCol. Jovit Culaway, the rider was flagged down at the checkpoint of the Bukidnon 2nd Police Mobile Force Company.
The married 23-year-old driver from Brgy. Mibantang, Quezon, had two large baskets attached on each side of his motorcycle. When quizzed by the personnel, he admitted that the baskets’ contents are smuggled cigarettes.
Confiscated items include 50 reams of Seven Kings with red filter; 20 reams of Fort (white); five reams of Molton (white); five reams of Modern (red); and five reams of Commando (red). Market value is estimated at Php 68,000.
The items will be turned-over to the Bureau of Customs.
In a January 9 Senate hearing, BOC Assistant Commissioner Vincent Maronilla said efforts to combat cigarette smuggling had been intensified. He said that in 2021 there were 131 seizures worth Php 1.71 billion. In 2024, this increased to 318 with an estimated value of Php 9.19 billion.
Last month, four-day operations of the region’s police force drew Php 433,300 worth of smuggled cigarettes from Iligan City; Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte; and Quezon, Bukidnon. (with reports from Sean Sulugan)