Negros police intensify anti-cigarette smuggling crackdown

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Police in Negros Island are intensifying their campaign against cigarette smuggling after seizing more than PHP 138.5 million worth of illicit tobacco products in just two weeks.

Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, director of Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region, said operations will intensify further, with broader intelligence efforts aimed at dismantling smuggling networks at every level.

“This campaign will not stop here, we will sustain aggressive enforcement and strengthen operational posture expand intelligence coverage to ensure that smuggling activities are consistently intercepted and dismantled,” Ibay said in a statement.

He said authorities will also strengthen coordination with other agencies to protect government revenues and maintain regional security.

From April 5–19, PRO-NIR conducted 25 anti-smuggling operations, leading to the arrest of 12 suspects and the confiscation of more than 56,000 reams of illegal cigarettes valued at PHP 138.5 million.

Major operations included the seizure of PHP 25 million worth of illicit cigarettes in Barangay To-oy and another PHP 3.34 million worth in Barangay Suay, both in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, on April 13.

On April 17, police intercepted PHP 13.75 million worth of smuggled cigarettes at a resort in Barangay Pook, Hinobaan, Negros Occidental.

Police also seized PHP 45 million worth of illicit cigarettes in Barangay Binalbagan, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, on April 19.

Checkpoint operations also yielded results, with PHP 37 million worth of illicit cigarettes voluntarily surrendered in Bacolod City.

The voluntary surrenders included PHP 21 million worth of illicit cigarettes in Barangay Villamonte on April 14 and PHP 16 million worth in Barangay Taculing on April 15.

Authorities said the sustained operations have significantly disrupted the illegal tobacco supply chain in the region and limited the products’ spread in local markets.

The crackdown also underscores the government’s effort to curb the loss of tax revenues from the illicit cigarette trade.

In recognition of these efforts, PRO-NIR personnel were commended Monday for their role in the intensified anti-smuggling campaign.

“This recognition serves as a strong reminder that excellence is expected and integrity remains non-negotiable in public service,” the PRO-NIR stated.