Authorities seized over ₱9.4-million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during a joint law enforcement operation in Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur.
The Philippine National Police (PNP), together with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Army, launched the operation after a concerned citizen reported that bundles of suspected smuggled cigarettes were being unloaded from a pump boat and transferred to waiting vehicles.
Personnel of the Pitogo Municipal Police Station immediately coordinated with the BOC and intelligence operatives of the Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion, leading to the arrest of three male suspects aged 21, 37, and 48. The suspects were allegedly caught while loading the contraband.
According to the BOC, authorities seized 60 master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at about ₱9.47 million. They also recovered three vehicles and a pump boat believed to have been used to transport the shipment.
All recovered items were turned over to the BOC for proper disposition.
Police-issued uniforms, equipment, and identification cards were also found in one of the vehicles during the operation. Authorities said a follow-up investigation is ongoing to determine their connection to the incident.
The PNP has also initiated appropriate administrative and criminal processes against a police personnel identified during the investigation, while pursuit operations are continuing against other individuals who fled the area.
PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the operating teams for their prompt response and stressed that accountability will be upheld.
“Mabilis ang naging koordinasyon ng ating mga operating units at partner agencies, kaya naging matagumpay ang operasyon. Mahalaga rin na malinaw ang ating mensahe—walang sinuman ang mas mataas sa batas. Kung may sapat na ebidensya, kikilos ang PNP nang patas at naaayon sa batas.”
He added, “Smuggling affects government revenues and legitimate businesses. We will continue strengthening our coordination with partner agencies to stop these illegal activities and ensure that those responsible are held accountable through due process.”
The PNP said the operation forms part of its Focused Agenda on Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which promotes intelligence-driven and inter-agency law enforcement efforts against organized and transnational crimes.
It also supports the whole-of-government campaign of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen border security, enforce customs laws, and protect the country’s economic interests.