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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Cops seize over P28.6 M worth of smuggled cigarettes in Palawan

Cops seize over P28.6 M worth of smuggled cigarettes in Palawan

Published Jun 10, 2026 03:02 pm
Policemen conduct inventory of the confiscated cigarettes that were intercepted in a checkpoint in Puerto Princesa City on June 9, 2026. (photo: PNP)
Policemen conduct inventory of the confiscated cigarettes that were intercepted in a checkpoint in Puerto Princesa City on June 9, 2026. (photo: PNP)
Police seized more than P28.6 million worth of cigarettes believed to have been smuggled into the country following the interception of a delivery van in a checkpoint in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan on Tuesday June 9.
Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), commended the operating units involved in the operation that also resulted in the arrest of two people.
The arrested suspects initially tried to evade the police in a checkpoint but they were later cornered and forced to surrender in Barangay Sta. Monica.
They are now facing cases of violation of RA 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act), RA 12022 (Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, National Internal Revenue Code Sec 263), and RA 10643 (Graphic Health Warnings Law).
“I commend all our personnel involved in this operation for a job well done. This will serve as a strong message that we are committed not only to protect the public from the ill effects of these products but also the adverse impact of smuggling into the country,” said Nartatez.
Police Brig. Gen. Christopher R. Dela Cruz, regional director of Police Regional Office 4B, said his men confiscated 188 master cases of assorted cigarettes with an estimated market value of ₱28,678,766.00.
Also seized was the delivery truck, adding that the seized cigarettes were turned over to the Bureau of Customs for inventory and documentation.
“This accomplishment demonstrates our unwavering commitment to combating illicit trade and other unlawful activities that undermine government revenues, legitimate businesses, and public welfare,” said Dela Cruz.
“Through strong inter-agency cooperation and intelligence-driven operations, we will continue to support national efforts against smuggling, economic sabotage, and other forms of transnational and organized criminal activity,” he added.
Billions of peso worth of smuggled and illegally-made tobacco products were already seized since Nartatez took over the helm of the national police force—starting with the more than P2.6 billion worth of smuggled cigarettes seized in Batangas City and Malabon City in a two-day operation on December 31, 2025 and January 1, 2026.
Since then, a series of successful operations were conducted that led to the confiscation of not only cigarettes but also equipment being used for illegal manufacture of tobacco products.
Nartatez said he ordered a thorough investigation to identify all those involved in the illegal activity as he disclosed that the point of destination of the illegal cigarette products was already identified.

Related Tags

Smuggled cigarettes PNP Mimaropa
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