PHP 21 million smuggled cigarettes seized in Sipalay

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Authorities intercepted another large shipment of suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at PHP 21 million during a seaborne patrol operation in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, on Saturday.

Operatives of the Maritime Group’s 4th Special Operations Unit arrested seven people, ages 18 to 52, including a boat captain, all residents of Zamboanga City.

According to a Philippine National Police report, the suspects were intercepted aboard a blue, red, and green motorized boat powered by twin engines, one of which had a defaced engine number.

The confiscated contraband included 220 master cases of one cigarette brand valued at PHP 8.8 million and 305 master cases of another brand valued at PHP 12.2 million, totaling 525 master cases, or 26,250 reams, of suspected illicit cigarettes.

The arrested individuals will face charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act; Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act; and Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law.

The operation was conducted in coordination with the Regional Maritime Unit-Negros Island Region Special Operations Team, Bacolod Maritime Police Station, Sipalay City Police Station, Regional Intelligence Division-Negros Island Region, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Negros Occidental, Provincial Intelligence Unit, and Philippine Coast Guard units in Southern Visayas.

In a statement, PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said stopping such shipments before they reach the market is critical to protecting legitimate businesses and enforcing the law.

He said authorities will remain vigilant and strengthen their capability to detect and intercept smuggling activities.

“Hindi natin hahayaang gawing daanan ng mga smuggled cigarettes ang ating mga karagatan. Haharangin natin ang ganitong operasyon at pananagutin ang mga lumalabag,” he added.

The operation followed the confiscation of PHP 15 million worth of similar contraband from three people during a joint anti-smuggling operation at the port area of Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, on Aug. 5.

The following day, a police checkpoint operation led authorities to a storage compound in Barangay Malingin, Bago City, Negros Occidental, where an estimated PHP 14.6 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes were seized.

From January to June, the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region seized a total of PHP 195 million worth of illicit cigarettes across the region, resulting in the arrest of 52 individuals.

In April, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group dismantled what authorities described as a large-scale illegal cigarette manufacturing and distribution network and arrested 10 Chinese nationals and four Filipino workers during a joint inspection of a warehouse in Barangay Calumangan, Bago City.

A series of operations against the illicit tobacco trade has been conducted across Negros Island, resulting in seizures and the surrender of suspected smuggled cigarettes reportedly originating from Mindanao.

The PNP said it is stepping up efforts to secure maritime routes and prevent the illegal movement of goods.