Photo courtesy of Philippine National Police.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported the seizure of more than Php 8.2 million worth of suspected smuggled goods and the arrest of two individuals in separate operations in Misamis Oriental and Zamboanga del Sur.
Authorities conducted the operations on the evening of May 6 following intelligence reports on alleged illegal activities.
In Opol, Misamis Oriental, personnel from the municipal police station under Police Regional Office 10 found around 1,500 sacks of suspected mineral ores in Barangay Limonda. The items were estimated to be worth Php 2,535,000.
One man was arrested during the operation, while other individuals fled before they could be apprehended. The suspect and recovered materials were brought to the police station for documentation and proper disposition.
In a separate operation in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, joint operatives from the provincial intelligence unit, city police, and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9 intercepted suspected smuggled cigarettes.
Confiscated were multiple master cases of cigarette brands, including Diamond, Guiyan, and Huanghelou, with a total estimated value of Php 5,730,000. A male suspect was arrested at the scene.
The PNP said the operations formed part of ongoing efforts to address smuggling and enforce existing laws.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said authorities would continue acting on verified intelligence to address illegal activities.
“Hindi tayo titigil sa pagsugpo ng smuggling at iba pang ilegal na gawain. Ang layunin natin ay protektahan ang ekonomiya at ang publiko,” he said.