Seven individuals, including several members of the Philippine Coast Guard, were arrested during a law enforcement operation conducted by the Regional Maritime Unit 10 in Misamis Oriental early April 17, 2026.
The operation took place at about 1:30 a.m. when personnel of the Misamis Oriental Maritime Police Station, under Regional Maritime Unit 10 as the lead unit, carried out the operation in coordination with the Naawan Municipal Police Station and the Provincial Intelligence Unit of Misamis Oriental.
Authorities conducted the operation at the Coast Guard Sub-Station located in Purok 5, Barangay Poblacion in the municipality of Naawan.
According to police, the suspects were caught unloading boxes of suspected smuggled cigarettes from a boat and transferring them into a Mitsubishi L300 van at the time of the arrest. Six of those arrested were identified as active members of the Philippine Coast Guard.
Authorities confiscated approximately 10,250 reams of cigarettes branded “Cannon Green,” with an estimated value of ₱8,200,000. The cigarettes were believed to have been smuggled into the country without proper documentation.
Also seized during the operation was a Mitsubishi L300 van valued at about ₱700,000, which was allegedly used in transporting the contraband.
Police said the confiscated items are considered violations of Republic Act No. 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warning Law.
The seized evidence has been turned over to the Bureau of Customs, while the arrested suspects were brought to the Misamis Oriental Maritime Police Station for documentation and the filing of appropriate charges.
PNP Maritime Group Director PBGen Lou F. Evangelista said authorities remain firm in their campaign against smuggling and other illegal activities along coastal areas.
