CIDG seizes PHP 5.2M in illicit cigarettes in Negros Oriental

BACOLOD CITY — The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Negros Occidental arrested three people following the seizure of suspected smuggled cigarettes worth PHP 5,265,000 during a buy-bust and entrapment operation in Barangay Old Namangka, Mabinay, Negros Oriental, on Oct. 29, 2026.

The suspects were identified only as alias “May,” a resident of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental; “Bryan,” a helper from Hinigaran, Negros Occidental; and “Hernan,” a driver from San Miguel, Iloilo.

According to a CIDG report, the suspects were allegedly involved in selling five master cases of cigarettes during the buy-bust operation.

Authorities recovered several reams of suspected illicit cigarettes and two vehicles from the suspects, who reportedly failed to present the necessary documents authorizing the lawful possession, distribution or sale of the tobacco products.

The seized cigarette products also allegedly lacked the prescribed graphic health warnings and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) tax stamps required under Philippine law.

The operation was conducted under “Oplan Megashopper” in connection with alleged violations of Republic Act 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law; Republic Act 9211, or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003; and applicable provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.

RA 10643 requires graphic health warnings on tobacco product packaging, while the country’s tax laws impose excise taxes and prescribe tax-stamp requirements for covered tobacco products.

The absence of the required warnings and tax stamps may indicate violations of tobacco packaging and tax regulations, although authorities must still establish the products’ origin and any alleged smuggling violations.

Several large seizures of suspected smuggled cigarettes have been reported across the Negros Island Region this year amid intensified anti-smuggling operations by law enforcement authorities.