PHP17.5 Million in Smuggled Cigarettes Seized During BARMM Operations

BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO — Police have seized PHP17.5 million worth of smuggled cigarettes across multiple locations in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) over a five-day operation period, officials reported on Monday. The operation, which spanned from August 7 to 11, targeted provinces and cities within the region, highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to combat smuggling.

According to Philippines News Agency, chief of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), the operations took place in Maguindanao Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi; as well as in the cities of Cotabato, Marawi, and Lamitan, and in the Special Geographic Area in North Cotabato. He emphasized that these efforts demonstrate the region’s intolerance for smuggling activities. The operations also led to the arrest of 74 individuals involved in various illegal activities, including 20 suspected of drug trafficking.

In addition to the anti-smuggling efforts, the police campaign against loose firearms resulted in 14 assorted firearms and ammunition being surrendered. Notably, in Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Sur, three members of a local terrorist group surrendered to authorities on August 8, handing over high-powered firearms. The weekend saw further success as eight members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters surrendered in Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur, with an arsenal that included rifle grenades and light machine guns, taking advantage of the government’s peace initiative.