CAMP RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – Police seized smuggled cigarettes worth P80,000 in the municipality of Libjo in the island province of Dinagat on Thursday, March 16.
The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in the Caraga region arrested two suspected smugglers but their identities were temporarily withheld pending the apprehension of their contacts and suppliers.
The suspects’ female cohort was able to escape and she is now the subject of a massive police manhunt in the province.
Police Regional Office 13 Director Brig. Gen. Pablo G. Labra II said the suspects were caught in the act of transporting three boxes containing 200 reams of various cigarette brands onboard a Rusi Chariot in Barangay Robenian.
“The suspects will face charges for violation of RA 8424 or the Tax Reform Act of 1997 and RA 10634 or the Graphic Health Warnings Law and our operating unit is now preparing the said charges against the suspects,” Labra said.
“I call on our force multipliers and the village chiefs of our coastal areas to keep a tight watch against smuggling that lowers government revenue,” he added.
“These smuggled cigarettes can be easily accessed by our youths and contribute to the deterioration of the health of consumers.”