P143M smuggled cigarettes seized

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have intercepted a P143-million shipment of suspected smuggled cigarettes with perpetrators tried to bribe the operatives.

Acting PNP chief PLTGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. underscored the PNP’s firm stance against illegal trade and corruption under his leadership, whose emphasis on discipline and command accountability continues to guide frontline operations.

According to the report of the BOC and PNP, operatives from Highway Patrol Group RHPU 3, HPG–NCR, HPG–4A, and the HPG Special Operations Division conducted a routine anti-carnapping and traffic enforcement operation and intercepted two trailer trucks along G. Araneta Avenue in Quezon City.

The operation was carried out by the Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group under the direction of HPG Director PBGEN Hansel M. Marantan, in close coordination with the BOC headed by BGEN Nolasco Bathan.

Inspection revealed that the vehicles were unregistered and carrying an estimated 2,000 boxes of cigarettes, believed to be undocumented and illegally imported.

Coordinated Response Strengthens Case Initial findings showed that the shipment was allegedly picked up from a coastal area in Bauan, Batangas, and was bound for Valenzuela City.

Acting on clear command guidance, HPG units immediately coordinated with the Bureau of Customs and other partner agencies to secure the cargo, preserve evidence, and begin tracing the network behind the shipment.

Authorities said the prompt coordination ensured that the case was handled deliberately and in accordance with established legal procedures.

It is said that the case escalated later that same day after authorities received verified information regarding attempts to improperly influence law enforcement officers.

At around 3:35 p.m., personnel of the Regional Highway Patrol Unit 3 conducted an entrapment operation at Camp Olivas in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

During the operation, suspects allegedly offered P5 million in exchange for favorable action on the release of the impounded trucks.

Three individuals were arrested and the marked money was recovered. Those arrested were identified as Gener Manzanero Gonzales, 58; Rogie Aycardo Rueda, 40; and Loreto Andal Gertes Jr., 48.

The suspects remain in custody as authorities prepare the appropriate charges for filing before the courts.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla reiterated that the government will not allow public roads to be used for illegal trade nor tolerate bribery or attempts to undermine law enforcement.

For the PNP, the case reinforces a clear institutional line under Chief Nartatez’s leadership: enforcement decisions are governed by law, not influence, and attempts to corrupt police officers will be met with swift and lawful action.