09/10/2026
9 ARRESTED, ₱6.8-M WORTH OF SUSPECTED SMUGGLED CI******ES AND OTHER ITEMS SEIZED
Under the leadership of PGen Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP), police operations in Central Luzon and Northern Mindanao led to the arrest of nine individuals and the seizure of smuggled ci******es and materials believed to be connected to the production of potentially counterfeit products, with a combined estimated value of more than ₱6.8 million.
In Misamis Oriental, police personnel intercepted a vehicle during an anti-smuggling operation in Barangay Taboc, Opol, on October 5, resulting in the arrest of a Filipino and the recovery of 480 reams of suspected smuggled ci******es valued at approximately ₱768,000.00, along with a vehicle believed to have been used in transporting the items.
Meanwhile, a CIDG operation in Plaridel, Bulacan, on October 6, conducted pursuant to a court-issued search warrant, resulted in the recovery of packaging and processing equipment, coffee-related materials, labels, containers, and other items reportedly associated with the production and packaging of a slimming coffee brand.
The seized materials were placed at an estimated value of ₱6.1 million. Eight individuals were taken into custody in connection with the operation, while one person named in the warrant was not present during its implementation.
Chief PNP PGen Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the results show what can be achieved when police units act on reliable information and work closely with partner agencies. He stressed that every operation must remain focused on the mission while observing the law and respecting the rights of those involved.
“We act on information, we coordinate, and we do the job properly. Hindi lang naman dami ng nahuli o halaga ng nakumpiska ang mahalaga. What matters is that we address the problem, secure the evidence, and make sure the entire process is done right. That is how we protect the public and keep their trust,” PGen Nartatez said.
The operations form part of the PNP’s Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which strengthens the police organization’s capability to respond to identified threats through coordinated, intelligence-informed, and accountable law enforcement.
All persons arrested in these operations will be subjected to appropriate legal proceedings, while the confiscated items will undergo the required examination, documentation, and disposition under existing laws.
The PNP will continue to strengthen coordination among its operating units and partner agencies in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for effective and responsive public service, consistent with the vision of a “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.”
(PNP-PIO)