04/09/2026
₱3.2M WORTH OF SUSPECTED SMUGGLED GOODS SEIZED IN SOUTHERN LEYTE, SULU
The Philippine National Police (PNP) seized more than ₱3.2 million worth of suspected smuggled petroleum products and ci******es in separate anti-smuggling operations in Southern Leyte and Sulu on September 3, 2026, resulting in the arrest of two individuals and the recovery of 21 master cases of suspected smuggled ci******es.
In Sogod, Southern Leyte, personnel of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Southern Leyte Provincial Field Unit and Sogod Municipal Police Station arrested two individuals, both of legal age and Filipino nationals, during an operation at around 5:30 p.m. The operation resulted in the seizure of 10,000 liters of diesel, 5,000 liters of premium gasoline, and 14,000 liters of unleaded gasoline, with a combined estimated market value of ₱2.18 million.
Meanwhile, in Pangutaran, Sulu, police personnel recovered 21 master cases of suspected smuggled ci******es valued at approximately ₱1.029 million during an anti-smuggling operation. The items were found abandoned and were brought to the police station for proper disposition and subsequent turnover to the Bureau of Customs.
Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the operations demonstrate the importance of sustained police presence and coordination in protecting communities and legitimate businesses from the effects of illegal trade.
“Every successful operation sends a clear message that illegal trade will not be allowed to undermine legitimate commerce. We act on information, we coordinate with the proper agencies, and we make sure the evidence is properly handled. Trabaho natin ito, at gagawin natin nang maayos,” PGen Nartatez said.
The operations form part of the PNP’s continuing implementation of its Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), strengthening police efforts to address activities that affect public order, lawful commerce, and community welfare. These efforts are likewise consistent with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to uphold law and order while protecting legitimate economic activity.
The arrested individuals and recovered items are under police custody for appropriate legal proceedings, while the seized ci******es in Sulu are being prepared for turnover to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition.
Through sustained enforcement, inter-agency coordination, and responsive police operations, the PNP continues to protect communities and legitimate commerce in support of a Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.
(PNP-PIO)