Pampanga: Police seized close to PHP1 billion worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested 14 individuals in separate operations in Pampanga and Bataan on Monday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a press briefing held in Camp Crame, Police Regional Office - Central Luzon (PRO-3) regional director Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez reported that police seized 759 master cases of suspected smuggled or illicit cigarettes from an Isuzu GIGA wing-opening van in Mabalacat, Pampanga, around 12:30 a.m. Information from the subsequent investigation suggested the shipment may have originated from a private seaport in Mariveles, Bataan. This led intelligence operatives of the Regional Special Operations Group - Regional Intelligence Division 3 (RSOG-RID3) to conduct surveillance in the area.
During the surveillance, several trailer trucks carrying 40-foot container vans were monitored. Around 8:30 a.m. on the same day, the trucks were seen leaving one after another. This prompted operating units to position along identified routes in Bataan and Pampanga. The follow-up operation resulted in the interception of seven trailer trucks in Abucay, two in Limay, one in Orion, all in Bataan, and five in Lubao, Pampanga. These trucks were found carrying substantial quantities of suspected smuggled/illicit cigarette products.
Mendez emphasized the importance of sustained intelligence work and close coordination among operating units. He noted that the cigarette products loaded in the 15 trucks have an aggregate value of approximately PHP960 million, pending final inventory and verification by appropriate authorities. Mendez highlighted that the earlier interception in Mabalacat City provided crucial information that led to the successful follow-up operation, preventing another substantial volume of suspected illicit cigarettes from reaching the market.
Mendez also stated that PRO-3 is coordinating with concerned government agencies for proper verification and disposition of the intercepted products and the filing of appropriate charges against those found liable. The PRO-3 will continue to pursue intelligence-driven operations against illicit trade and other illegal activities that threaten legitimate commerce and the safety and economic well-being of communities across Central Luzon.
Meanwhile, in Marinduque, two individuals were arrested in a joint police operation on Tuesday, leading to the seizure of approximately PHP3.5 million worth of petroleum products and transport equipment allegedly used in unauthorized fuel distribution. Conducted in Barangay Bachao Ibaba, Gasan town by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), in coordination with PRO-4B (Mimaropa), the operation led to the arrest of suspects for distributing and dispensing petroleum products without the required authority and permit from the Department of Energy (DOE).
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. stated that the operation reflects the PNP's commitment to addressing activities that may affect public safety and legitimate economic activity. The arrested individuals and recovered items were turned over to the CIDG for proper disposition and filing of appropriate charges.
