Philippine National Police acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., has ordered a thorough investigation into the smuggling of around P1.1 billion worth of cigarettes which were discovered in Batangas City during an anti-carnapping operation on Wednesday, Dec. 31.
Nartatez particularly wanted the identities of those responsible for the smuggling of the cigarettes and for the probers to prepare and file airtight cases against them in line with the instruction of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to be tough against smugglers and economic saboteurs.
“This case does not end in the confiscation of these smuggled cigarettes. I have already ordered a thorough investigation into this to identify and build strong cases against those responsible for this illegal activity,” said Nartatez who personally went to Batangas City to inspect the confiscated contraband.
“Let this operation serve as a symbolic warning of what lies ahead for the Philippine National Police in 2026 against those who continue to violate and disrespect the rule of law in the country,” he added.
The operation started when operatives of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG), led by Brig. Gen. Hansel Marantan, located a red car which was reported stolen in Las Piñas City.
During the site inspection in Sitio Singko, Balete, Batangas City on Wednesday, the HPG operatives noticed several motor vehicles, including trucks and container vans which later turned out to be containing smuggled cigarettes.
No suspect was arrested during the operation but Nartatez said they are now working with the Bureau of Customs and other concerned agencies to gather more information about the contraband.
Follow-up operations are also being conducted by the HPG based on intelligence reports.
“These smugglers are robbing the Filipino people of tax and other financial obligations to the national government. Their illegal activities have serious economic impact, and this must be stopped,” said Nartatez.
“In this case, we need to identify and run after those responsible considering the enormity of the value of the smuggled cigarettes. We cannot let this just come to pass,” the PNP chief stressed.
Nartatez also hailed the integration of modern technology into police investigation and operation as proven by the success of the operation which started when HPG operatives were able to locate the stolen vehicle through Global Positioning System, or GPS.
Early on, Nartatez emphasized the need to invest and maximize the use of technological advances to continuously transform the PNP into a modern police force that is a highly capable, truly reliable, and fully respected especially by the Filipino people.
