10/08/2026
PNP SEIZES ₱3.8-M WORTH OF SMUGGLED CI******ES IN DAVAO ORIENTAL
Philippine National Police (PNP) continues to strengthen its campaign against smuggling after authorities confiscated an estimated ₱3.835 million worth of smuggled ci******es during an operation in Barangay Manikling, San Isidro, Davao Oriental on August 3, 2026.
The operation, carried out through the coordinated efforts of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the San Isidro Municipal Police Station, and the Regional Intelligence Unit 11, led to the arrest of two Filipino suspects, aged 41 and 18. Authorities recovered 59 master cases of smuggled ci******es, which were turned over for proper documentation and disposition while the arrested individuals remain under police custody for the filing of appropriate charges.
The successful operation forms part of the PNP's intensified law enforcement efforts under its Focused Agenda, particularly through Enhanced Managing Police Operations, aimed at disrupting illegal activities that undermine legitimate trade and deprive the government of lawful revenues. These sustained initiatives also support the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen border security, protect lawful businesses, and uphold economic stability.
Chief PNP, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., commended the operating units for their coordinated action and emphasized the importance of continued vigilance against smuggling activities.
"Hindi lang produkto ang nahuhuli natin sa ganitong operasyon. Pinoprotektahan din natin ang kabuhayan ng mga lehitimong negosyante at ang kita ng pamahalaan na dapat ay napupunta sa serbisyo para sa ating mga kababayan. Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating operasyon laban sa smuggling sa pakikipagtulungan ng iba pang law enforcement agencies," PGen Nartatez said.
"We remain committed to pursuing those who engage in illegal trade while ensuring that every police operation is carried out professionally, lawfully, and with full respect for the rights of all individuals involved. This is part of our responsibility to keep our communities safe and protect the country's economic interests," he added.
The PNP assures the public that it will continue working closely with partner agencies to combat smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage as part of its commitment to Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman, delivering responsive and accountable public service to every Filipino.
(PNP-PIO)
