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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PNP builds strong case vs alleged smugglers of P1.1-B cigarettes seized in Batangas

PNP builds strong case vs alleged smugglers of P1.1-B cigarettes seized in Batangas

Published Feb 4, 2026 01:27 pm
Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, leads an inspection of allegedly smuggled cigarettes discovered during an anti-carnapping operation in Batangas City on Dec. 31, 2025. The seized products have an estimated value of P1.1 billion, according to authorities. (Photo: PNP)
Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, leads an inspection of allegedly smuggled cigarettes discovered during an anti-carnapping operation in Batangas City on Dec. 31, 2025. The seized products have an estimated value of P1.1 billion, according to authorities. (Photo: PNP)
Police are now finalizing the case build-up against those involved in the alleged smuggling of P1.1 billion worth of cigarettes that were seized in Batangas City late December last year.
The goal, according to the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) is to come up with a solid case against those responsible amid the aggressive anti-smuggling drive of the national government.
So far, PNP-HPG spokesman Lt. Nadame Malang said they are completing more documents needed for the filing of airtight cases.
“We are still waiting for other documents from other agencies,” said Malang.
One of the cases that is expected to be filed is violation of the Republic Act 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act which was passed to eliminate hoarding, profiteering, and cartel that unduly restrain supply and manipulate prices which deprive the government of taxes and revenues for economic development.
And among those who are expected to be slapped with the cases are a female personnel of the Bureau of Customs assigned at the Batangas Port and her husband who owns the trucks that yielded 14 container vans of the confiscated cigarettes.
It was PNP-HPG director Brig. Gen. Hansel Marantan who earlier disclosed the involvement of a BOC personnel after the investigation revealed that her husband owns a trucking service company that is possibly involved in the smuggling of the confiscated cigarettes.
The container vans containing the cigarettes were discovered when PNP-HPG operatives were tracking a stolen vehicle. The cigarettes were found in a compound in Balete, Batangas City on Dec 31.
“We were able to confiscate illicit cigarettes there (Batangas). We have identified personalities and you will see that when we file the case. And unfortunately, there’s an involvement of the trucker. The trucker's wife is a member of the BOC so it becomes more complicated,” said Marantan.
The series of police-initiated anti-smuggling operations came amid the issues hounding the Bureau of Customs over the alleged anomalies in the agency.
Earlier, BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno sacked the chief of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) at the Port of Manila (POM) after his name, along with the head of the BOC-CIIS, was mentioned in a letter of complaint sent to President Marcos by Customs officials, employees and stakeholders in December 11 last year.
The letter also mentioned a customs broker, who was earlier identified in a Senate report as a major agricultural smuggler operating in the Port of Subic, Manila International Container Port, Port of Manila, Port of Batangas, and Port of Cebu.
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