22/11/2025
MINDANAO ANTI-SMUGGLING OPERATION NETS OVER ₱3 MILLION IN CI******ES, THREE NABBED
The Philippine National Police (PNP) under the leadership of Acting Chief PNP Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. is stepping up its fight against smuggling, sending a clear message that illegal trade will not be tolerated.
On November 20, 2025, police units in different parts of Mindanao successfully intercepted smuggled ci******es worth over Php 3 million and arrested three individuals involved in the illicit trade.
Acting Chief PNP Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said, “Smuggling robs our country of much-needed revenue and encourages illegal activity. Every operation we conduct is a step toward protecting our communities and enforcing the law.”
In Sultan Kudarat, police officers from Kalamansig MPS and the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Police Office stopped two men in the morning along the Kalamansig-SNA Road in Brgy. Hinalaan. The men were caught transporting 23 boxes of smuggled ci******es worth nearly Php 900,000.00, which are now in police custody.
Later that evening in Tawi-Tawi, a joint operation by the Bongao MPS, Tawi-Tawi PPO, Tawi-Tawi MARPSTA, and the 1st SOU led to the discovery of 11 master cases of suspected smuggled ci******es at the Chinese Pier in Bongao. The items, valued at over Php 1.2 million, were seized for proper disposition while authorities continue to track down those responsible.
Meanwhile, in Lanao del Norte, police in Sultan Naga Dimaporo acted on a tip from a confidential informant and intercepted an individual at around 9:00 PM in Brgy. Koreo. The suspect was caught with 18 boxes of Red ASTRO ci******es, two boxes of Red New Far, and one box of Black ERA ci******es, valued at Php 840,000.00. The seized items and the suspect are now under the custody of the local police station.
Altogether, the operations yielded three arrests and a total of 41 boxes and 11 master cases of smuggled ci******es, with a combined value of Php 3,024,000.00.
This successful operation is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure the protection of government revenue and the safety of our communities against smuggling and other illegal activities.
Acting Chief PNP PLTGEN Nartatez stressed that the PNP will continue to pursue those involved in smuggling and other illegal activities, protecting not only government revenue but also the health and safety of communities across the country.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to intercept smuggled goods and hold offenders accountable. Our message is clear: law enforcement will not rest while illegal activities persist,” he added.
PNP Spokesperson and Chief PIO PBGEN Randulf T. Tuaño remarked, “Smuggling hurts everyone, from local businesses to ordinary citizens. The PNP will continue to ensure that illegal trade is intercepted and those responsible are brought to justice. We encourage the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity.”
The PNP continues to coordinate closely with local government units, port authorities, and other law enforcement agencies to maintain pressure on smuggling networks and ensure that illegal trade finds no safe harbor in the country.
