By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) operatives have arrested two individuals for transporting PHP3.3 million worth of assorted brands of alleged illegal cigarettes during an operation in Davao del Sur.
In a statement on Tuesday, CIDG chief Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano said the suspects, alias “Arnel” and “Ramer,” were arrested during a law enforcement operation at the Kinuskusan Border Control Point, Bansalan, Davao del Sur on Monday.
He said the arrested suspects were caught while transporting tobacco products without the required graphic health warning labels.
He added the CIDG confiscated 128 master cases of Cannon, Greenhill, and Bravo tobacco products worth PHP3.3 million, one Isuzu van, and cellular phone.
The suspects will be charged before the National Prosecution Service with violations of Republic Act 10643 (Graphic Health Warning Law) for the unlawful distribution of cigarettes without the required graphic health warnings.
BIFF nabbed for Cotabato murder
Meanwhile, Abrahano said CIDG operatives arrested alias “Maro,” 29, in Purok 3, Brgy. Malingao, Kadayangan, Cotabato, Special Geographic Area (SGA), Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao on Aug. 21 by virtue of warrants of arrest for murder with no bail recommended, and attempted murder with a PHP120,000 recommended bail, issued by Branch 28, of the Regional Trial Court in Midsayap, North Cotabato, dated Oct. 7, 2019 and Jan. 22, 2020, respectively.
The operating teams recovered a caliber .45 pistol, a steel magazine, six rounds of live ammunition, four units of android smart phones, and three units of keypad cellular phones.
Maro is listed as an alleged member of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF)-Bungos Faction under Commander Motorola and as Number 9 Regional Level Most Wanted Person of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 12.
On April 30, 2019, Maro and 11 other members of the BIFF-Bungos Faction, armed with firearms and bladed weapons, allegedly attacked, assaulted, and hacked to death Tiyo Takuranga Egap, a prominent elder in the community, at a rice field in Brgy. Tumbras, Midsayap, North Cotabato. (PNA)
