PNP: P13M in illicit cigarettes seized in weekend operations in parts of Mindanao

Authorities seized over P13 million in alleged illicit cigarettes from several operations in different parts of Mindanao over the weekend, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

In a statement, PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the operating units for their vigilance against smuggling.

“Hindi tayo titigil sa ganitong operasyon dahil direkta itong nakaaapekto sa ekonomiya at sa kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan (We will not stop these operations because these directly affect the economy and the livelihood of our countrymen). We are serious in our commitment – this is about protecting government revenues and ensuring fair play in trade,” Nartatez said.

In Manay, Davao Oriental, police conducted an anti-smuggling operation in Barangay San Ignacio on Saturday, June 13, which led to the recovery of 80 master cases and 50 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at around P8 million. Three suspects were arrested during the operation.

In Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, police operatives intercepted two wooden motorized pump boats carrying 22 master cases of assorted alleged illicit cigarettes valued at P1.254 million during a seaborne operation along Barangay Muricay in the early hours of Sunday, June 14.

Meanwhile, in Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay, police confiscated 20 master cases of assorted alleged smuggled cigarettes worth about P1.146 million during an operation in Barangay Looc Tuburan that same day. One suspect was arrested.

In Pigcawayan, Cotabato, authorities seized 43 master cases and 950 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes worth P2.652 million during an operation in Barangay North Manuangan also on Sunday, with two suspects apprehended.

All confiscated items and arrested suspects were brought to respective police units for proper documentation and legal disposition.

“Asahan ng publiko na tuloy-tuloy ang ating trabaho (The public can be assured that we will continue doing our job). We will remain visible, proactive, and relentless in addressing all forms of illegal activities,” Nartatez said. — JMA, GMA News