HPG: P20M worth of ‘smuggled’ cigarettes seized, 3 suspects nabbed in Negros, Lanao ops

The Highway Patrol Group (HPG) on Monday said suspected smuggled cigarettes worth over P20 million were seized while three suspects, including a cop, were nabbed in two separate operations in Negros Oriental and Lanao del Norte.

HPG acting director Police Colonel Hansel Marantan said authorities spotted an abandoned van loaded with alleged smuggled cigarettes in Barangay Nagbola-ao, Basay town in Negros Oriental on Oct. 11.

“Inside were master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes estimated to be worth P20 million,” Marantan said in a press conference.

“The contraband and the vehicle are now in our custody and will be formally turned over to the [Bureau of Internal Revenue] for legal disposition,” he added.

Marantan said the interception operation was conducted by virtue of a division order.

Authorities have already identified the owner of the seized vehicle. The perpetrators may face charges of violating the Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act, the Tax Reform Act of 1997, and the National Internal Revenue Code. 

Meanwhile, in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, the HPG conducted another interception operation of a vehicle on Oct. 10, which yielded suspected smuggled cigarettes worth P150,000 and firearms.

“The vehicle attempted to flee, resulting in a hard course of operation. When it stopped, our personnel discovered P150,000 worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes again and a PNP-issue Glock 17 firearm with live ammunition,” Marantan said.

Arrested were three suspects, including an active cop assigned to Lanao del Norte. A minor was also turned over to the Women and Children Protection Desk.

“We are now investigating the police officer’s involvement, and rest assured, we will not protect our own if the law has been violated,” Marantan said.

The suspects are facing charges for illegal possession of firearms, resistance, and disobedience, and violations of customs and anti-smuggling laws, the HPG chief added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News