The Philippine National Police seized more than ₱43 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested 11 people in separate anti-smuggling operations in Negros Oriental and Pagadian City on May 16 and 17, 2026.
In Basay, Negros Oriental, local police, maritime personnel, and partner law enforcement agencies intercepted around 700 master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes estimated to be worth ₱40.1 million.
Authorities also recovered a motorized boat believed to have been used to transport the contraband. Ten individuals were arrested and placed under police custody for proper legal proceedings.
In Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, police arrested one suspect and confiscated 57 master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at more than ₱3.2 million.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the operating units for their coordinated efforts, saying the operations formed part of the police force’s broader campaign against illegal trade.
“Bahagi ito ng mas malawak nating tungkulin na protektahan ang ekonomiya at tiyakin na umiiral ang batas sa maayos na paraan. Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating kampanya laban sa mga iligal na aktibidad habang iginagalang ang karapatan ng bawat isa,” Nartatez said.
He said the PNP would continue to rely on intelligence-driven operations and coordination with other agencies to curb smuggling activities nationwide.
“Ang mahalaga ay tuloy-tuloy ang ating pagbabantay at mabilis ang pag-aksyon ng ating mga yunit sa mga ulat at impormasyon mula sa komunidad at partner agencies. We will continue working closely with concerned agencies to prevent illegal trade activities from thriving,” he added.
Police said the suspects remain under custody while documentation and other legal procedures are being completed for the filing of appropriate charges.
The PNP said anti-smuggling operations and other law enforcement efforts would continue across the country in support of safer communities and stronger public trust, in line with the “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman” campaign.