13/07/2026
CHECKPOINT BREACH UNCOVERS P20.8-M SUSPECTED SMUGGLED CI******ES; PNP ARRESTS 3
The Philippine National Police (PNP), under the command of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., intercepted millions of pesos worth of suspected smuggled ci******es and arrested three individuals during a border control checkpoint operation on July 11, 2026, at the Regional Border Control Point in Brgy. Kibungsod, Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the 1001st Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10; 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company; Magsaysay Municipal Police Station, Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office; and the Regional Intelligence Division 10. While conducting checkpoint operations, the team flagged down a cargo truck for inspection. Instead of stopping, the driver deliberately breached the checkpoint and fled, prompting an immediate pursuit by the operating personnel.
The vehicle was eventually intercepted, where authorities discovered 520 master cases of suspected smuggled ci******es concealed beneath bundles of abaca fiber. The confiscated contraband has an estimated market value of PhP20,800,000.00. The three arrested individuals, along with the seized evidence, were brought to the Magsaysay Municipal Police Station for documentation and the filing of appropriate charges.
“This operation shows that criminal groups cannot simply outrun the law. Our border control efforts will remain firm, intelligence-driven, and focused on protecting legitimate trade and public interest,” PGEN Nartatez said.
He added, “Hindi kami titigil sa paghuli sa mga sangkot sa smuggling. Patuloy naming paiigtingin ang pagbabantay sa ating mga hangganan upang mapanagot ang sinumang lalabag sa batas.”
The accomplishment reflects the PNP Focused Agenda—a framework for institutional transformation designed to make police service faster, fairer, and truly felt by the people. At the heart of this agenda are key priorities that define the course of the PNP, with Enhanced Managing Police Operations reinforcing intelligence-driven border security and sustained law enforcement efforts against smuggling and other organized criminal activities.
As the PNP strengthens border security operations to prevent the entry and transport of smuggled goods that undermine the country’s economy and the rule of law, under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it remains steadfast in its vision: “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.
(PNP-PIO)