The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its nationwide campaign against smuggling following a series of coordinated operations that led to the seizure of assorted alleged illicit cigarettes in multiple regions, with a total estimated value exceeding ₱13 million.
In Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, operatives from Zamboanga del Sur MARPSTA, RMU 9, and the 902nd RMFB 9, together with local police units, intercepted two wooden motorized pump boats carrying 22 master cases of assorted alleged illicit cigarettes worth approximately ₱1,254,000 during a seaborne operation along Barangay Muricay in the early hours of June 14, 2026.
In Manay, Davao Oriental, personnel from CIDG Davao Oriental Provincial Field Unit, Manay Municipal Police Station, and provincial units conducted an anti-smuggling operation in Barangay San Ignacio on June 13, 2026, resulting in the interception of 80 master cases and 50 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at around ₱8,000,100, with three individuals taken into custody.
Meanwhile, in Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay, joint elements of Malangas Municipal Police Station, Provincial Intelligence Unit, Regional Intelligence Unit 9, and the 903rd RMFB 9 intercepted 20 master cases of assorted alleged smuggled cigarettes worth about ₱1,146,000 in Barangay Looc Tuburan on June 14, 2026, leading to the arrest of one individual.
In Pigcawayan, Cotabato, operatives of Pigcawayan Municipal Police Station also intercepted 43 master cases and 950 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at approximately ₱2,652,608 during an operation in Barangay North Manuangan on June 14, 2026, with two individuals apprehended.
All confiscated items and arrested suspects were brought to respective police units for documentation and proper legal disposition.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the operating units for their sustained vigilance, stressing that the campaign against smuggling remains a core component of the organization’s broader law enforcement mandate.
“Hindi tayo titigil sa ganitong operasyon dahil direkta itong nakaaapekto sa ekonomiya at sa kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan. We are serious in our commitment—this is about protecting government revenues and ensuring fair play in trade,” Nartatez said.
He said the operations align with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which emphasizes coordinated, intelligence-driven, and responsive policing nationwide. He also cited continued support from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in strengthening law enforcement operations.
“Asahan ng publiko na tuloy-tuloy ang ating trabaho. We will remain visible, proactive, and relentless in addressing all forms of illegal activities,” he added.
The PNP reiterated its commitment to sustain its campaign against smuggling and other illegal trade activities as part of ongoing reforms anchored on discipline, coordination, and accountability, in line with its “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman” framework.