The Philippine National Police (PNP) seized millions worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested six individuals during a coastal anti-smuggling operation in Barangay Bangaan on June 26, 2026.
The operation was carried out by a joint team including the Sultan Naga Dimaporo Municipal Police Station, Provincial Intelligence Unit, 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, the 5th Special Operations Unit of the PNP Maritime Group, and the Sultan Naga Dimaporo Sea-Based Command.
Authorities intercepted a blue motorized boat anchored along the shoreline, uncovering 101 cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at approximately ₱4,040,000. The six male suspects arrested included five laborers aged 20 to 26 from Pagadian City, and a 40-year-old boat operator from Sultan Naga Dimaporo. The shipment is believed to have originated from Picong, Lanao del Sur. The boat and contraband are now in police custody, while coordination with the Bureau of Customs for proper turnover is ongoing.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. emphasized the operation’s significance in safeguarding economic and community security.
“Smuggling undermines legitimate trade, deprives the government of revenues, and fosters criminal activity in our coastal communities. We will continue to act relentlessly against these illegal operations and hold violators accountable under the law,” Nartatez said.
The PNP noted that this operation aligns with its Focused Agenda, prioritizing intelligence-driven and area-focused enforcement to protect economic security and maintain public order. Coastal patrols and law enforcement efforts are being intensified to disrupt smuggling networks and prevent the exploitation of vulnerable coastal areas.
“Every successful interdiction sends a clear message: our shorelines will not be used as gateways for illegal goods. We will continue strengthening our presence and vigilance in high-risk areas,” Nartatez added.
The PNP reaffirmed its commitment, under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., to serve the public with integrity and responsiveness under the banner of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman.”