Police personnel involved in a Lanao del Sur anti-smuggling operation that led to the seizure of about P70 million worth of cigarettes and the arrest of 21 people were commended by Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
Nartatez said five minors were among those apprehended during the June 14 raids in Barangay Liyangan, Picong, Lanao del Sur. The minors were later turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
“We continue to be relentless in this campaign to send a strong message that this illegal activity has no place in any part of the country. Our coordination and support system is also getting stronger both against smuggling and illegal production of cigarettes,” Nartatez said.
The PNP chief cited the assistance of the Philippine Army in carrying out the raids and securing the three sites where the smuggled cigarettes were found.
The operation was conducted in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to pursue those involved in smuggling and other illegal activities.
Authorities said the raids stemmed from verified intelligence reports on alleged storage areas for smuggled products near the coastal area of Picong.
Joint police and military operatives moved into the area early on June 14, leading to the arrest of 21 individuals. Police said the suspects were caught off guard by the operation and were unable to flee because the target areas had been sealed off under the operational plan.
Nartatez said follow-up operations were being conducted against at least four other individuals whose names surfaced during the initial investigation.
“We are now preparing criminal charges against those arrested and all those who are involved in this illegal activity, including the owners of these makeshift storage areas,” he said.
Seized during the operation were 1,800 master cases of various brands of cigarettes believed to have been smuggled into the country. Authorities also recovered an M14 rifle from one of the warehouses.
“I commend all our personnel who fearlessly worked hard to achieve this gain. Despite the serious security threat in the area, you persisted on working on the information that you obtained, which resulted in these successful operations,” Nartatez said.
The PNP said billions of pesos worth of smuggled and illegally produced cigarettes, along with manufacturing equipment, have been seized since Nartatez assumed the top police post.
Nartatez vowed to sustain the campaign and directed police units to further strengthen coordination with communities, noting that information from local residents has helped authorities uncover several cigarette smuggling activities.