Eight arrested in Negros illicit cigarette seizures

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region carried out high-impact operations against illicit cigarettes in Negros Island on Friday and Sunday, leading to the seizure of tobacco products worth PHP 58.75 million and the arrest of eight individuals.

The biggest haul, valued at PHP 45 million, was reported in Barangay Binalbagan, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, on Sunday and resulted in the arrest of four people.

Police identified those arrested as Pakam, 26, of Dipolog City; Danny, 46, of Zamboanga Sibugay; Junrey, 22, of Lanao del Norte; and Cris, 26, of Zamboanga del Norte.

Authorities said Pakam and Danny were helpers, while Junrey and Cris were drivers.

A report from the PRO-NIR said intelligence operatives monitored two trucks and allegedly caught the suspects transferring illicit cigarettes from one vehicle to another when officers approached.

Recovered from the operation were 350 master cases of Oris Menthol D and J cigarettes, with 50 reams in each case, loaded on a 10-wheeler panel van.

Police also recovered 100 master cases of D and J Menthol cigarettes, with 50 reams in each case, from a six-wheeler panel van.

The four suspects are facing charges for alleged violations of Republic Act 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, and the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended by Republic Act 10963.

The Canlaon City operation came after authorities confiscated PHP 13.75 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested four other individuals at a resort in Barangay Pook, Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental, on Friday.

Police identified the suspects as Fat, 39, a native of Jolo, Sulu, who is temporarily residing in Barangay 16 in this city; Bry, 40, a driver and resident of Zamboanga Sibugay; Rom, 43, also a resident of Zamboanga Sibugay; and Pip, 57, a driver and resident of Barangay 35 in this city.

Authorities said the four were allegedly caught in plain view in possession of large volumes of illicit cigarettes loaded on two six-wheeler panel vans.

Police said the cigarettes did not carry the required Bureau of Internal Revenue tax stamps, in violation of Republic Act 10643 and the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended by Republic Act 10963.

Confiscated during the Hinoba-an operation were 188 master cases of Cannon Black Menthol cigarettes, with 50 reams in each case.

Officers also seized 87 master cases of Cannon Menthol cigarettes, with 50 reams in each case, all without the required BIR tax stamps.

All confiscated items were turned over to BIR Region 12 in Bacolod City.

Authorities are also investigating whether the two incidents are linked to a common source.

The latest seizures add to a string of anti-smuggling operations in Negros Island this month.

On April 6, authorities seized PHP 2 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes in Barangay Old Namangka, Mabinay, Negros Oriental.

On April 13, police also confiscated PHP 25 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Barangay To-oy, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

During checkpoint operations in Bacolod City, a total of PHP 37 million worth of illicit cigarettes were also surrendered to police.

The checkpoint haul included PHP 21 million worth of illicit cigarettes surrendered in Barangay Villamonte on April 14.

It also included PHP 16 million worth of illicit cigarettes surrendered in Barangay Taculing on April 15.

The PRO-NIR said it remains firm in its campaign against illicit tobacco products and economic sabotage.

The regional office said the illegal trade in tobacco products undermines government revenue collection and poses serious risks to public health.

It also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, saying community cooperation is vital in protecting the region from unlawful activities.