Authorities intercepted a large-scale distribution of smuggled cigarettes in northern Palawan after seizing 209 master cases of Fort and New Berlin brands worth over ₱3.5 million at Sta. Cruz Port Area in Sitio Pamulot, Barangay Bantulan, Taytay, early Friday morning, August 2.
Ten individuals were arrested, while one managed to escape. The arrested are Jan Brandon Artillaga Abcede, 32, and Johnrey Arceño Genil, both residents of Brgy. Poblacion Taytay; Abraham Tapeing Ladja, 42; boat captain Timhar Musa Dugasan, 35; boat crew members Ibsar Azta Arajam, 20; Ridzmal Juaine Abda, 25; Aljiram Abdul Lahim, 22; Eley Salam Legis, 29; Gerald Gartes Husayan, 30; and Gerald Gartes Husayan, 34, all residents of Barangay Marangas, Bataraza, in southern Palawan. The canter truck driver, Noel Artillaga Abcede, alias Owen, escaped.
This morning, the suspects are in custody and will be charged with violating R.A. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warning Law.
The operation began around 4:30 a.m. on Friday after authorities confirmed a tip from a concerned citizen around 3:30 a.m. It was carried out by the PIU Palawan PPO, Taytay MPS, 2nd PMFC, CIDG, and 401st B MC RMFB 4B.
The arrests occurred as suspects were caught transferring to two vehicles boxes of smuggled cigarettes from the boat F/B J.R. BOY, registered to Ma. Luisa L. Morata of Barangay Bagong Sikat, Puerto Princesa City.
According to a Palawan News source, the cigarettes originated from southern Palawan and were intended for distribution in northern towns.
“Galing sila ng southern part ng Palawan, pero kung saan specific nila dadalhin wala kaming alam pero dito lang yan isusuply sa norte,” a source stated.
It was also disclosed that this was the second shipment of smuggled cigarettes intercepted by authorities this week.
“Ngayong linggo, pangalawang beses na nila ito na nadale ng mga pulis,” the source added.
The Graphic Health Warnings Law was enacted in the Philippines to better inform the public about the health risks associated with tobacco use.
The law mandates that all tobacco product packaging must include graphic health warnings covering at least 50% of the principal display surfaces. This aims to discourage smoking by making the health risks visibly clear, thereby promoting public health.
Cigarette smuggling in Palawan has been a significant issue, involving multiple law enforcement operations to curb this illegal activity. Recent actions have led to the confiscation of millions of pesos worth of smuggled cigarettes and the arrest of numerous individuals involved in these operations.
For instance, in a substantial operation, authorities in Palawan seized P3.5 million worth of smuggled tobacco products following the discovery of a warehouse storing these contraband items. This led to the arrest of two individuals attempting to transport the smuggled goods through a checkpoint.
In another operation, law enforcement authorities in Palawan confiscated smuggled cigarettes valued at approximately ₱2 million during a raid in Barangay Rio Tuba, Bataraza. This operation was part of a collaborative effort with various agencies aimed at stopping the widespread sale of contraband cigarettes, which are often smuggled from Malaysia through the backdoor routes of Balabac, located at the southernmost tip of the province.
