31/07/2026
PNP NETS 7 IN ₱5.26-M SMUGGLING CRACKDOWN
The Philippine National Police (PNP), under the command of PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., arrested seven individuals and confiscated ₱5,257,462.40 worth of suspected smuggled ci******es, equipment used in the manufacture and distribution of unlabeled cooking oil, and transport assets during separate anti-smuggling operations conducted on July 24, 2026 in Sarangani Province, Batangas, and Davao City. The operations also led to the identification of two other suspects who remain at large and are now the subject of ongoing police manhunt operations.
In Barangay Cupang, Bauan, Batangas, a joint operation by the PNP, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Municipal Health Office resulted in the arrest of a Filipino female of legal age involved in the alleged manufacture and distribution of unlabeled cooking oil products. Authorities confiscated assorted oil storage tanks, a refilling machine, a weighing scale, an Elf truck, and buy-bust money, with the seized equipment valued at ₱2,500,000.00. The alleged owner of the establishment was not present during the operation. Meanwhile, along the shoreline of Barangay Kanalo, Maasim, Sarangani Province, police arrested a Filipino male of legal age and confiscated 1,640 reams of suspected foreign-made smuggled ci******es without proof of lawful importation, valued at ₱1,402,462.40, together with two boats believed to have been used in transporting the contraband. Another suspect fled during the pursuit operation and remains the subject of follow-up police operations.
In Barangay Bago Aplaya, Talomo District, Davao City, authorities also arrested five Filipino males of legal age, including one identified only by the alias “Ungod Raf,” during a buy-bust operation that resulted in the confiscation of 15 master cases of suspected foreign-made smuggled ci******es without the required importation documents, valued at ₱1,355,000.00, including the marked buy-bust money. All arrested individuals and the confiscated evidence were placed under police custody for documentation and the filing of appropriate charges.
“Smuggling sustains criminal networks, undermines legitimate businesses, and erodes respect for the rule of law. Our operations will remain focused on dismantling illegal supply chains and ensuring that those responsible face the full force of the law,” said PGEN Nartatez.
“Hindi natin hahayaang kumita ang mga lumalabag sa batas habang nalalagay sa alanganin ang kabuhayan ng mga lehitimong negosyante at kaligtasan ng mga mamimili. Pananagutin natin ang mga sangkot sa smuggling saan man sila magtago,” he added.
These operations reflect the PNP Focused Agenda, a strategic framework for organizational transformation that strengthens police capability in addressing evolving criminal activities. Anchored on the key priority of Enhanced Managing Police Operations, the PNP remains focused on disrupting illicit trade through intelligence-driven enforcement and sustained field operations.
As the PNP intensifies its campaign against smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the PNP assures the public of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”
(PNP-PIO)