- ₱8.5-M in smuggled cigarettes seized in 24-hour blitz
THE POLICE Regional Office (PRO) XI intercepted over ₱8.5 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested 37 wanted individuals in a massive 24-hour sweep.
PBGen. Leon Victor Z. Rosete, PRO XI chief, said the single largest recovery occurred in Barangay Camanchiles, Matanao, Davao del Sur.
While conducting surveillance on illegal gambling, PNP units discovered an unattended wing van containing 140 master cases of assorted cigarettes valued at ₱7 million.
Additional operations across the region brought the total seizure to 249 master cases, 2,062 reams, and 3,439 assorted packs.
The total market value of the confiscated goods, which lacked the required graphic health warnings under Republic Act 10643, was estimated at ₱8,506,562.
Meanwhile, the PRO XI said 26 of the 37 fugitives were classified as most wanted persons (MWP) in the regional, provincial, and municipal levels.
Among them were Jake “Ariel” Dianga and Gody “Gori” Dianga, alleged members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) Guerilla Front ALIP, wanted for murder with no bail.
Also arrested were Ravin Mulat Cedeño (top five city-level most wanted) for murder, Kirov King Montderamos Bolneo (top seven city MWP) for illegal recruitment, and Timoteo Disnilla Alagon (Top 8 City MWP) for Batas Pambansa Bilang 22 violations (bouncing check).
Meanwhile, Michel Repe Cardaño was also arrested to face his charge of four counts of rape; Alvin Rafols Muñez, who was wanted for attempted murder; and several others facing charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165).
Rosete commended the operating units for their professionalism, discipline, and dedication in carrying out intelligence-driven and coordinated operations.
