The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered a deeper investigation into possible inter-regional smuggling networks in Mindanao after authorities seized P22.5 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested eight suspects in Carmen, Davao del Norte on Thursday, June 4.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said investigators are checking whether the latest operation is connected to previous smuggling cases in Mindanao, including the P13.25-million cigarette haul in Picong, Lanao del Sur a day earlier.
“We have directed our investigators to determine whether this shipment is connected to previous smuggling cases in Mindanao and to identify any syndicates, financiers, or networks operating behind these illegal activities,” Nartatez said.
He said police are looking into possible common routes, patterns, and personalities behind the recent seizures to determine whether they are part of a larger organized smuggling operation.
“Given recent anti-smuggling operations in different parts of Mindanao, we are examining possible patterns, routes, and common actors to establish whether these incidents are linked to a broader criminal organization,” he added.
The latest operation was conducted around 1:30 a.m. in Barangay Lapas by the CIDG Regional Field Unit 11, in coordination with the Carmen Municipal Police Station and the Highway Patrol Group in Davao del Norte.
Police arrested barge captain Aldasil Eron Illih, 24; boat mechanic Himer Said Jikiran, 31; assistant boat captain Abdulhaid Mali Sawaba, 20; laborers Dilis Jaji, 20, and Sherwin Sappayani Mohammad, 26; and Excer Sawade Mansari, 52; Marjun Nun Abdul, 46; and Alamunir Sala Parantes, 42.
Authorities said the suspects were allegedly involved in transporting and handling smuggled cigarettes believed to have come from Jolo, Sulu.
Seized during the operation were a jungkong boat marked “MJ Nur-Aira,” two red container vans, an Isuzu Travis L300 van, two Nissan Navara pickup trucks, around 900 master cases of assorted cigarettes, eight smartphones, and several tactical items.
Nartatez commended the operating units for the seizure, saying the operation prevented the illegal goods from reaching the market.
“This successful operation demonstrates the PNP’s unwavering commitment to combating smuggling and other forms of organized criminal activity,” he said. “We commend our CIDG, local police units, and partner agencies for their swift and coordinated action.”