AUTHORITIES arrested three individuals, including a Chinese national, in a joint buy-bust operation in Matina, Davao City, on Wednesday afternoon, July 2, 2025, for allegedly violating Republic Act 10643, also known as the Graphic Health Warnings Law.
The suspects were caught along Sampaguita Street in Juna Subdivision during an operation led by Police Station 15 – Ecoland and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit-Davao (CIDG RFU-Davao). The crackdown is part of “Oplan Megashopper,” an ongoing CIDG campaign enforcing laws on proper labeling and sale of tobacco products.
Authorities identified the suspects as Alias Shi, 56, a Chinese national residing in Valencia, Bukidnon, and two locals—Mujahid, 46, and Faisal, 29, both from Isla Verde Boulevard, Barangay 23-C, Davao City.
Police recovered six master cases of Greenhills cigarettes and five master cases of BROS cigarettes from the suspects. None of the items displayed the required graphic health warnings, as mandated by RA 10643. The confiscated cigarettes have an estimated market value of P275,000.
Operatives also seized P1,000 in marked buy-bust money (with boodle money), a white Mazda minivan (plate number MAQ 7227), and the vehicle key. The total value of all seized items is estimated at P435,000.
All evidence is now in CIDG RFU-Davao’s custody for documentation and legal processing, as authorities prepare formal charges against the suspects.
Republic Act 10643 requires all tobacco products to display graphic warnings on their packaging to inform the public of the health risks associated with smoking. Violators face steep fines and possible imprisonment. DEF