Police Regional Office 1 (PRO-1) is intensifying its campaign against illegal smuggling across the Ilocos Region, following a series of successful operations that resulted in the arrest of foreign nationals and the seizure of millions of pesos’ worth of smuggled cigarettes this month.

In an exclusive interview, Police Brigadier General Dindo Reyes said the Philippine National Police continues to strengthen intelligence-driven operations, increase checkpoints, and deepen coordination with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and other partner agencies to curb the entry and distribution of contraband goods in the region.

According to Reyes, intelligence units within PRO-1 remain active around the clock, allowing authorities to identify smuggling routes, monitor suspected warehouses, and conduct targeted operations against individuals and groups engaged in the illegal trade.

“We are strengthening our intelligence operations. More checkpoints are being deployed, and our partnership with the Bureau of Customs is now stronger. These efforts are already producing results,” Reyes said.

A few days after the start of intensified operations, a checkpoint-related search conducted in Poblacion, Labrador, Pangasinan, on January 21, 2026, led to the confiscation of smuggled cigarettes valued at approximately ₱8.05 million. Police said the shipment was intercepted while being transported, preventing the distribution of the illicit products in local markets.

Three days later, on January 24, 2026, two individuals were apprehended in an entrapment operation in Dagupan City for the alleged possession and sale of smuggled cigarettes amounting to around ₱1.12 million. The suspects are now facing charges for violations of laws related to illegal trade and smuggling.

Reyes emphasized that PRO-1 is now closely monitoring all ports and coastal entry points in the Ilocos Region, in coordination with the BOC and other law enforcement agencies, to ensure that contraband and smuggled goods do not enter the region.

“All possible entry points are under monitoring. Our personnel, together with the Bureau of Customs and other agencies, are making sure that smuggled goods are intercepted before they reach our communities,” he said.

Illegal cigarette smuggling continues to be a major concern for authorities, as it deprives the government of billions of pesos in tax revenues and fuels organized criminal activities. The circulation of untaxed cigarettes also poses health risks due to the lack of regulation and quality control.

Meanwhile, Reyes said that as early as January, PRO-1 has rolled out heightened security measures across the region, including increased police visibility at police assistance desks, deployment of personnel in congested areas, and added presence in tourist destinations.

He also assured the public that coordination with local Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) units and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMCs) is regularly conducted to ensure rapid response during emergencies.

Police assistance hubs will likewise be established along strategic highways and in major tourist areas to ensure that PNP personnel are readily available to assist both locals and visitors.

Reyes urged the public to report suspicious activities related to smuggling and other crimes, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in sustaining the gains of the government’s anti-smuggling campaign.