18/05/2026
PNP SEIZES OVER ₱43-M SUSPECTED SMUGGLED CI******ES IN NEGROS ORIENTAL AND PAGADIAN
The Philippine National Police (PNP) intensified its campaign against smuggling following two successful operations in Negros Oriental and Pagadian City that resulted in the confiscation of more than ₱43 million worth of suspected smuggled ci******es and the arrest of 11 suspects on May 16 and 17, 2026.
In Basay, Negros Oriental, a joint operation conducted by local police units, maritime personnel, and partner law enforcement agencies resulted in the interception of around 700 master cases of suspected smuggled ci******es valued at approximately ₱40.1 million. Authorities also recovered a motorized boat believed to have been used for transport. Ten individuals were taken into custody for proper legal proceedings.
In a separate operation in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, police operatives arrested one suspect and confiscated 57 master cases of suspected smuggled ci******es with an estimated value of more than ₱3.2 million.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the operating units for the coordinated efforts that led to the successful operations.
“Bahagi ito ng mas malawak nating tungkulin na protektahan ang ekonomiya at tiyakin na umiiral ang batas sa maayos na paraan. Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating kampanya laban sa mga iligal na aktibidad habang iginagalang ang karapatan ng bawat isa,” PGen Nartatez said.
He added that the PNP remains committed to intelligence-driven and coordinated law enforcement efforts across the country.
“Ang mahalaga ay tuloy-tuloy ang ating pagbabantay at mabilis ang pag-aksyon ng ating mga yunit sa mga ulat at impormasyon mula sa komunidad at partner agencies. We will continue working closely with concerned agencies to prevent illegal trade activities from thriving,” he added.
The suspects are currently under police custody while proper documentation and legal procedures are being undertaken for the filing of appropriate charges.
The PNP assured the public that operations against smuggling and other illegal activities will continue nationwide in support of safer communities and stronger public trust, in line with the Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.
(PNP-PIO)