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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Nartatez lauds HPG for rejecting P5 M bribe for release of smuggled cigarettes seized in QC

Nartatez lauds HPG for rejecting P5 M bribe for release of smuggled cigarettes seized in QC

Published Dec 20, 2025 09:00 am
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. presents cases of smuggled cigarettes that were part of the P143 million worth of contraband seized in an operation in Quezon City on Dec. 17, 2025. Also in the photo are DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla and HPG director Brig. gen. Hansel Marantan. (photo: PNP)
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. presents cases of smuggled cigarettes that were part of the P143 million worth of contraband seized in an operation in Quezon City on Dec. 17, 2025. Also in the photo are DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla and HPG director Brig. gen. Hansel Marantan. (photo: PNP)
Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr,. acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), lauded the integrity shown by operatives of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) who declined a P5 million offer in exchange for the release of the P143 million worth of smuggled cigarettes they seized in Quezon City on Dec. 17.
Nartatez said that what the HPG personnel did in turning down the bribe reflected the kind of professionalism in the police organization, “It only shows how committed our personnel are to the HPG and the rest of our police officers.”
On Dec. 17, HPG operatives conducted an intelligence-driven operation along G. Araneta Avenue in Quezon City that led to the interception of two trailer trucks loaded with smuggled cigarettes.
The intelligence reports that the shipment was allegedly picked up from a coastal area in Bauan, Batangas, and was bound for Valenzuela City.
Inspection revealed that the vehicles were unregistered and carrying an estimated 2,000 boxes of cigarettes believed to be undocumented and illegally imported.
Following the arrest, HPG operatives received indications of the willingness of the supposed owners to release the contraband for a hefty price.
Three people were sent to give the P5 million bribe at Camp Olivas in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga but they were all arrested as it turned out that they fell into an entrapment operation.
The suspects remain in custody as authorities prepare the appropriate charges for filing before the courts.
“This case reinforces our policy that enforcement decisions are governed by law, not influence, and that attempts to corrupt police officers will be met with swift and lawful action,” said Nartatez.
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