PNP arrests PCG personnel, civilian over P3M smuggled cigarettes In Misamis Oriental

Six Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel and a civilian were arrested after smuggled cigarettes worth over P3 million were found at a sub-station in Naawan, Misamis Oriental, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday.

In a statement, the PNP said authorities conducted the operation following an intelligence report on alleged involvement of some PCG personnel in cigarette smuggling in Mindanao.

Recovered from the operation were 205 master cases of smuggled cigarettes worth P3,075,000 and an L-300 van.

Two of the arrested personnel are assigned at PCG Southwestern Northern Mindanao, while the remaining arrested staff are assigned at Sub-Station Laguindingan, Lugait, Libertad, and El Salvador City Station.

“These people are assigned in different sub-stations so we are looking into a network of connivance for both smuggling and distribution,” PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartataez Jr. said.

“We will dig deeper and we will make sure that those involved will be held accountable,” he added.

According to the PNP, a report on the incident has been forwarded to the PCG leadership. The PNP is also coordinating with the Coast Guard for the investigation in the incident.

“It is highly unfair that while our men and personnel of other government agencies that include PCG personnel themselves are risking their limb and life against smugglers, these people were actually in cahoots with them,” Nartatez said.

“In coordination with the PCG leadership, we will make sure that these six Coast Guard men will not only be dismissed from the service but will also spend years in jail,” he added. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News