Manila: Picong, Lanao del Sur The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched an investigation to identify and arrest the financiers and syndicate behind the PHP13.25 million worth of smuggled cigarettes seized in Picong, Lanao del Sur.

According to Philippines News Agency, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR) to coordinate closely with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and other partner agencies to trace the source of the contraband and determine accountability. "I have already directed the RD (regional director), PRO BAR to work closely with the NBI and local barangay leaders to aggressively unmask the financiers, logistics networks, and local protectors behind this shipment," Nartatez said in a statement Thursday.

Authorities recovered about 310 master cases of assorted cigarettes worth an estimated PHP13.25 million during an anti-smuggling operation in Barangay Liangan on Wednesday afternoon. The operation was conducted by the NBI-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (NBI-BARMM), with support from PNP units in the region.

Initial inspection showed the cigarette products lacked the required Department of Health health warnings and Bureau of Internal Revenue tax stamps, indicating possible violations of customs and tax laws. The contraband was found abandoned in an open area between residential structures, with no suspects present when authorities arrived.

The seized items were brought to the NBI office in Cotabato City for documentation, inventory, and legal disposition. Nartatez said the PNP will "remain relentless in breaking these illicit supply chains, as smuggling not only bleeds government revenues but also directly undermines our local economies and community security."