The Philippine National Police seized more than P1.05 billion worth of goods and cash in June as part of intensified operations against smuggling and other economic crimes.
The PNP said police units carried out 2,517 law enforcement operations during the month, resulting in the arrest of 665 individuals.
The operations were part of the police force’s campaign to protect legitimate businesses, safeguard government revenues, and curb the movement of illegally traded goods.
Among the major operations were two joint anti-smuggling activities in Palawan and Zamboanga Sibugay, where authorities seized more than P104.6 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested seven suspects for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
In another maritime operation off the waters of Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay, police intercepted around P22.29 million worth of illicit cigarettes and arrested four suspects.
The PNP said the campaign forms part of its Focused Agenda, particularly the Enhanced Managing Police Operations pillar, which aims to strengthen intelligence-driven and inter-agency operations against organized economic crimes.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended police units and partner agencies for their vigilance and coordination in protecting the country’s borders and economy.
“Ang laban kontra smuggling ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pagkumpiska ng mga iligal na produkto. Ito ay tungkol sa pagprotekta sa kabuhayan ng ating mga mamamayan at pagpapatibay ng tiwala sa batas. I commend our operating units and partner agencies for their professionalism and dedication,” Nartatez said.
The PNP said it would continue coordinating with concerned government agencies to prevent the entry and distribution of smuggled goods and sustain intelligence-driven enforcement operations nationwide.
The police organization said the campaign is aligned with “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.”