A SURVEILLANCE operation targeting illegal firearms took an unexpected turn on Tuesday after police uncovered a massive shipment of smuggled cigarettes worth ₱6 million in Baganga, Davao Oriental.
The operation, conducted at Purok Daisy, Barangay Kinabilgan, led to the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of 114 master cases of undocumented tobacco products.
The joint operation—led by the Regional Special Operations Group XI—originally began as a surveillance mission over a potential violation of Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
However, during the mission, operatives discovered two vehicles packed with various brands of smuggled cigarettes.
An Isuzu Travis was found carrying 58 master cases of GreenHill and two master cases of New Orleans cigarettes.
A Hyundai (Plate No. LAF 4979) yielded another 54 master cases, including brands such as GreenHill, New Orleans, Canon, and Berlin.
The successful bust was a coordinated effort between the RSOG XI, the Baganga Municipal Police Station, and the Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office.
PRO XI regional director, BGen Leon Victor Z. Rosete, praised the units for their adaptability.
“This successful operation underscores our firm commitment to the Chief PNP’s focused agenda, particularly on enhanced intelligence-driven law enforcement,” Rosete said in a statement.
He added that the seizure is a significant blow to “economic sabotage” and transnational criminal activities in the region.
The two suspects, whose identities have not yet been released to the media, are currently in the custody of the Baganga Municipal Police Station. They face charges related to smuggling and violations of the National Internal Revenue Code.
