Davao del Sur arrests 3 for unloading substandard cigarettes

Davao del Sur authorities arrested three men on Thursday morning for unloading substandard cigarettes without health warning labels mandated by law.

Christian, Ibrahim, and Rodel were caught in an entrapment operation while transferring 600 master cases of assorted cigarette brands from a boat to vehicles in Barangay Baybay, Malalag town.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized PHP15 million worth of cigarettes, one closed van, one wing van truck, and one boat with an estimated value of PHP6 million during the operation.

Christian, Ibrahim, and Rodel will face charges before the National Prosecution Service for violating Republic Act No. 10643, also known as the Graphic Health Warnings Law.

CIDG chief Police Major General Nicolas Torre III assured that his group remains steadfast in enforcing laws against such violations and urged the public to report all forms of criminality.