The Philippine National Police is crafting new measures with its counterparts in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to strengthen anti-smuggling operations across the region.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Sunday that while the government’s campaign against smuggling has produced significant results, further action is needed because of the illegal trade’s impact on the economy.
“The PNP is crafting measures with its regional counterparts to heighten border patrols against smuggling as well as trace and identify the origin of this contraband,” Nartatez said.
He said anti-smuggling efforts were among the issues discussed during the recent ASEAN Chiefs of Police conference held in the Philippines.
Nartatez expressed confidence that closer coordination with ASEAN law enforcement agencies would help disrupt the movement of smuggled goods into the country.
He also underscored the importance of intelligence sharing and joint enforcement operations in dismantling transnational criminal networks involved in smuggling.
“We cannot allow this kind of illegal activity that adversely affects our economy,” said Nartatez.
“Our operations are continuous and this includes stronger alliance and coordination with other law enforcement agencies here and our regional neighbors,” he added.
Nartatez said Philippine authorities have made gains in the fight against smuggling, citing the seizure of around P10 billion worth of smuggled cigarettes since December last year.
He said intensified operations by the PNP and other law enforcement agencies have made it more difficult for smuggling syndicates to operate.
“We have been successful in giving smuggling syndicates the hard time in operating in the country and the goal is to put an end to their modus,” said Nartatez.
“With strong alliance and coordination with other agencies and our ASEAN partners, we are confident of achieving more, especially on cigarette smuggling,” he added.