Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has issued directives to all police chiefs to enhance coordination with local government units (LGUs) in identifying suspicious warehouses and locations potentially used for the storage or production of illegal cigarettes.

According to Philippines News Agency, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized the importance of information from local residents and officials, particularly at the barangay level, in combating criminal activities. He referenced two recent successful operations resulting in the seizure of millions of pesos worth of smuggled cigarettes. One operation in San Simon, Pampanga, was initiated by a netizen's report, while another in Maguindanao del Norte began with a tip-off.

Gen. Nartatez highlighted the critical role of trust-based relationships between police and the community in effective law enforcement and implementing peace and order measures. He stressed the need for the PNP to continue fostering these relationships to maintain and enhance public support and engagement.

The PNP has been actively leading operations against cigarette smuggling, resulting in the confiscation of illegal cigarettes worth billions of pesos during various raids, including those targeting warehouses. Gen. Nartatez instructed police chiefs to work closely with LGUs for inspections of suspicious sites as part of the intensified campaign against cigarette smuggling and illegal manufacturing.

He also underscored the importance of adhering to operational procedures in all police actions to avoid legal complications and set a strong example of upholding the rule of law in the community.