₱22M worth of smuggled cigarettes seized in Digos City; two arrested

THE Regional Special Operations Group 11 (RSOG 11) has arrested two men and seized an estimated ₱22 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during an operation in Bgy. Dawis, Digos City, on Friday, February 6, 2026, according to Davao Region top cop PBGen. Leon Victor Rosete.

“Recovered were 440 master cases of assorted cigarette brands without the required graphic health warnings. The items are believed to be smuggled and were estimated to have a market value of ₱22,000,000,” said RSOG 11 chief PLt Col Maynard D. Pascual.

Police stated that the incident constitutes a clear violation of Section 7 of Republic Act No. 12022, or the law defining crimes of agricultural and economic sabotage, as well as Republic Act No. 10643, which mandates graphic health warnings on tobacco products. The seized cigarettes will be subjected to Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) verification, while the suspects are currently under the custody of the Digos City Police Station for proper disposition. Authorities are preparing formal charges against the suspects for violations of RA 12022 and RA 10643.