03/10/2026
NEARLY ₱122 MILLION WORTH OF SUSPECTED SMUGGLED CI******ES RECOVERED IN TWO-DAY OPERATIONS
Under the leadership of PGen Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP), police units across several areas conducted sustained anti-smuggling operations on September 30 and October 1, 2026, resulting in the recovery and confiscation of 804 master cases, 610 reams, 176 packs, and 92 boxes of suspected smuggled ci******es with a combined reported value of ₱121,792,785.37.
The largest reported recovery came from Zamboanga City, where police and Bureau of Customs personnel recovered 704 master cases and 482 reams of smuggled ci******es with an estimated market value of ₱112,686,535.37. The recovered abandoned items were placed under the custody of the BOC Regional Office IX for further inventory, examination, documentation, valuation, and appropriate disposition.
In Zamboanga Sibugay, separate operations in Ipil and Olutanga on September 30 and October 1 resulted in the seizure of 50 master cases of ci******es valued at approximately ₱2.865 million. One operation involved the recovery of 30 master cases from an abandoned nipa hut, while another resulted in the arrest of a legal-age Filipino male known by the alias “Tata Tores” and the seizure of 20 master cases.
The recovered products will be properly documented and turned over to the Bureau of Customs, while the arrested suspect remains in police custody for the filing of the appropriate case.
In Sulu, police recovered 50 master cases of suspected smuggled ci******es valued at approximately ₱2.85 million after the items were found abandoned in Jolo. In Davao del Sur, an operation resulted in the confiscation of 128 reams and 176 packs valued at approximately ₱1.09 million, with the items subsequently turned over to the Bureau of Internal Revenue for proper disposition.
Meanwhile, police personnel in Butuan City confiscated 92 boxes of suspected smuggled ci******es estimated at ₱2.3 million. A legal-age Filipino was identified in connection with the operation, with the confiscated items placed under proper custody and the necessary procedures undertaken.
“These two days of operations show the importance of sustained presence and coordination on the ground. Kapag may impormasyon at may nakikitang kahina-hinalang movement ng mga produkto, kailangan nating kumilos nang maayos, document the recovery, and coordinate with the proper agency for the next steps,” PGen Nartatez said.
The operations involved police units from the concerned Police Regional Offices, local police stations, CIDG field units, and other specialized units, working with the Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and other government partners as appropriate.
The accomplishments are consistent with the PNP Focused Agenda through Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which promotes responsive police action, strengthened coordination, and proper handling of law enforcement operations.
The PNP will continue to support government efforts to address suspected smuggling and protect legitimate economic activities through lawful, professional, and properly coordinated police operations, in support of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.
(PNP-PIO)