The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., uncovered a cache of suspected smuggled goods valued at an estimated P115 million during a joint operation in Barangay Sta. Peregrina, Pulilan, Bulacan, on October 15, 2026.
The operation was conducted after the BOC, in coordination with the Pulilan Municipal Police Station of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office, served a Letter of Authority at a warehouse in an industrial compound. Authorities discovered solar panels, 4K HD webcams, LED lights, luggage, milk powder supplements, and other general merchandise totaling approximately P115,000,000.00.
Officers on-site were initially not provided with documentation identifying the warehouse owner or establishing lawful ownership of the seized items. The facility also lacked external business signage or identifying marks to establish the business entity operating at the location.
To secure the contraband pending an official inventory, BOC personnel sealed and padlocked the warehouse. A Customs Examiner is set to conduct the formal inventory alongside representatives from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), and the designated warehouse representative.
PGEN Nartatez emphasized the necessity of cracking down on illicit trade while maintaining strict adherence to legal procedures.
“The fight against smuggling must be grounded in evidence, lawful procedures, and accountability. Protecting legitimate trade means ensuring that suspected violations are properly investigated and addressed,” PGEN Nartatez said.
He underscored the importance of legal compliance in business operations.
“Ang bawat negosyong lumalabag sa batas ay dapat sumailalim sa wastong imbestigasyon. Kailangang manaig ang katotohanan at pananagutan sa bawat hakbang,” PGEN Nartatez also said.
The operation forms part of the PNP Focused Agenda, a structural framework aimed at enhancing police service delivery and supporting lawful enforcement initiatives against illegal trade under the priority of Enhanced Managing Police Operations.
In line with directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to protect legitimate commerce and curb smuggling, the PNP reaffirmed its commitment under its core message, “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”