17/08/2026
PNP SEIZES OVER ₱7 MILLION WORTH OF SUSPECTED SMUGGLED CI******ES IN ZAMBOANGA, PAMPANGA
The Philippine National Police (PNP) seized more than ₱7.02 million worth of suspected smuggled ci******es and arrested eight individuals in separate anti-smuggling operations conducted in Zamboanga Sibugay and Pampanga on August 16 and 17, 2026.
In Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay, police arrested two Filipino individuals, both of legal age, during a checkpoint operation on August 16. The operation led to the recovery of 40 master cases of suspected smuggled ci******es valued at approximately ₱2.292 million.
Later that day, in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, another operation resulted in the arrest of one Filipino individual, legal age, and the recovery of 30 master cases of New Berlin ci******es valued at approximately ₱1.719 million.
In Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay, police arrested another Filipino individual, legal age, at about 2:20 a.m. on August 17. Authorities recovered 20 master cases and 249 reams of suspected smuggled ci******es, with an estimated value of ₱1.430 million.
Meanwhile, in Mexico, Pampanga, four Filipino individuals, all of legal age, were arrested at about 1:09 a.m. on August 17 during an operation that resulted in the recovery of various suspected smuggled ci******es valued at approximately ₱1.581 million.
The arrested individuals and recovered items were placed under police custody for documentation and proper disposition, with the cigarette shipments subject to turnover to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for appropriate action.
Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the PNP will continue to work closely with partner agencies to protect legitimate businesses and help ensure that goods entering communities are properly accounted for.
“We want our people and businesses to know that we are paying attention to this kind of activity. Kapag may nakikitang kahina-hinalang shipment o transportasyon ng mga produkto, mahalaga ang mabilis na koordinasyon sa mga awtoridad. Our job is to act on what is reported and make sure that every operation is handled properly and within the law,” PGen Nartatez said.
The operations reflect the PNP’s continuing implementation of its Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, through coordinated field operations and strengthened cooperation with government partners. These efforts support the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in promoting orderly communities and a fair environment for legitimate commerce.
The PNP likewise reminds the public to remain vigilant and report information on suspected smuggling activities through the proper authorities. With the continuing support of communities and partner agencies, the PNP remains committed to the “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman,” ensuring that police action is responsive, lawful, and felt where it matters most.
(PNP-PIO)
