PHP4.7-M Illicit Cigarettes Seized in Himamaylan City

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Negros Island Region (CIDG-NIR) arrested five individuals and confiscated PHP4.7 million worth of alleged substandard and illicit cigarettes in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on July 10.

According to police, the suspects identified as “Judie,” “Arnel,” “Ali,” “Brian” and “Marjun” were allegedly caught selling cigarettes without Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) tax stamps and graphic health warnings.

Judie, Arnel and Ali were reportedly caught in Barangay 2 with 70 boxes of substandard cigarettes and an Isuzu closed van used for transport.

In a follow-up operation in Barangay Talaban, Brian and Marjun were allegedly found loading 116 boxes of unregulated cigarettes onto a canter truck at a beach resort.

The CIDG national office commended the regional unit for its swift police action that led to the seizure of illicit tobacco products and the arrest of the violators.

“We significantly protected the public from potential health hazards, reduced the harm caused by smoking, and ensured that these products are not sold to minors,” the CIDG said in a statement.

The CIDG has intensified nationwide operations targeting smuggling, economic sabotage and violations of special laws, including the sale and distribution of illicit tobacco products.

Authorities urged the public to report illegal activities to the CIDG, saying, “We will act on the difficult task immediately.”

In a related case last month, a 47-year-old salesman identified as “Julpikar,” from Dipolog City, was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Balintawak, Escalante City.

According to the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), the suspect allegedly yielded PHP530,000 worth of contraband in violation of Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

Meanwhile, the Bacolod City government commended law enforcement agencies for the PHP8.3 million seizure of smuggled cigarettes at the Old Airport in Barangay Tangub, also on July 10.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod unanimously approved a resolution authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito, recognizing the swift and coordinated operation by multiple agencies.

Distrito said the resolution underscores the broader significance of the operation—not only in preventing tax losses and supporting legal businesses, but also in reinforcing public health policies and local ordinances.

Among these is City Ordinance No. 09-16-784, which penalizes the possession and sale of cigarettes lacking proper tax stamps.

“This operation is a strong statement that Bacolod City will not tolerate smuggling and counterfeit tobacco circulation,” Distrito said.

“We urge agencies to continue and intensify this campaign in defense of public interest, the economy and the health of our citizens.”

The city government reaffirmed its commitment to inter-agency collaboration and robust enforcement of anti-smuggling laws to ensure a safe and lawful community for all Bacolodnons.