Manila: Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed the immediate filing of administrative and criminal cases against a police officer who was arrested over the weekend for allegedly transporting PHP1.285 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.

According to Philippines News Agency, Nartatez instructed concerned units to place the police officer, who is assigned at Camp Crame in Quezon City, under restrictive custody and to immediately initiate administrative proceedings. He ordered investigators to ensure the filing of appropriate criminal and administrative cases without delay once the investigation and the assessment of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) are completed.

"The arrest demonstrates that no one is above the law. We will ensure a thorough, impartial investigation, and if the evidence warrant, the concerned personnel will face both administrative and criminal charges," Nartatez said in a statement on Monday.

The police officer was arrested Sunday during a checkpoint conducted by intelligence personnel of the Pagadian City Police Station along the national highway in Barangay Tiguma after authorities received information about the alleged transport of smuggled cigarettes. The suspect attempted to pass through the checkpoint, but during a search of the vehicle, police discovered 251 reams of New Berlin cigarettes with an estimated market value of PHP1.285 million.

Meanwhile, authorities confiscated PHP50.98 million worth of illegal drugs and arrested 86 suspects in 62 nationwide operations conducted July 2 to 9, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said on Monday. Of those arrested, 55 were identified as drug pushers while 10 were alleged possessors. All suspects will face charges under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.