17/06/2026
PNP SEIZES P77-M WORTH OF ALLEGED SMUGGLED CI******ES IN LANAO DEL SUR OPERATION
The Philippine National Police (PNP) scored another significant accomplishment in its campaign against economic crimes after a joint intelligence-driven operation led to the seizure of an estimated ₱77.2 million worth of alleged smuggled ci******es in Picong, Lanao del Sur, on June 15.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 15 adult male suspects who were found allegedly hauling and guarding undocumented cigarette shipments in makeshift storage facilities along the coastal area. Four other individuals identified only through their aliases remain at large, while five minors found at the site were immediately referred to the appropriate social welfare office for proper care and intervention.
Authorities recovered 1,803 master cases and 139 reams of assorted cigarette brands, equivalent to more than 90,000 reams, believed to have entered the country through illegal channels. Also recovered during the operation was an M14 r***e, which is now undergoing appropriate examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
Appropriate charges are being prepared against the arrested suspects for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 7394 (Consumer Act of the Philippines), Republic Act No. 10643 (Graphic Health Warnings Law), and Republic Act No. 12022 (Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act).
The successful operation forms part of the PNP's Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which emphasizes intelligence-based, inter-unit coordination to curb criminal activities affecting public welfare and the country's economy. It also supports the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify the government's efforts against smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage.
Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. lauded the operating units for the successful operation and stressed that sustained law enforcement efforts are vital in protecting legitimate businesses and government revenues.
"Malaking bagay ang bawat matagumpay na operasyon laban sa smuggling dahil hindi lang ito usapin ng pagpapatupad ng batas. Pinoprotektahan din natin ang kabuhayan ng mga lehitimong negosyante at ang ekonomiya ng bansa na dapat mapunta sa mga serbisyong kailangan ng ating mga kababayan," PGen Nartatez said.
He also emphasized that all police operations must always be conducted within the bounds of the law.
"Ipagpapatuloy natin ang mga intelligence-driven operations na may mahigpit na koordinasyon sa ating partner agencies. Gagawin natin ito nang propesyonal, may paggalang sa karapatan ng bawat isa, at walang puwang ang sinuman na nais samantalahin ang ating mga batas," he added.
The PNP said follow-up operations are underway to identify other individuals possibly involved in the illegal activity as it continues to uphold Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.
(PNP-PIO)