Authorities seized 147 boxes of suspected smuggled cigarettes during a raid conducted at the runway of the old airport in Barangay Singcang Airport, Bacolod City, early Wednesday morning, July 2, 2025.
The operation was led by the 4th Special Operations Unit of the Maritime Group, in coordination with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Provincial Office. The seizure took place around 5:00 a.m.
Three men were arrested during the operation, while several others managed to escape.
According to Police Major Karl G. Bonilla, Deputy Commander of the 4th Special Operations Unit, the contraband is believed to have originated from Mindanao. The suspected smuggled cigarettes were transported via a motorized boat and brought into Bacolod under cover of early morning darkness.
Authorities confirmed that the shipment consisted of 147 boxes of cigarettes. The specific brands and estimated market value were not disclosed in the initial report.
Police said the suspects are now in custody, and an investigation is underway to identify the remaining individuals involved and determine the full extent of the smuggling operation.
The seized items will be turned over to the proper government agencies for inventory and legal processing.
Authorities emphasized their continued effort to crack down on smuggling activities in the region and called on the public to report any suspicious maritime or cargo activity.
