Quezon city: The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) announced the seizure of smuggled cigarettes worth PHP143 million from two container trucks apprehended in Quezon City. In a significant operation, six individuals were arrested following the interception of the contraband and PHP5 million in cash used as alleged bribe money by the truck drivers.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., PNP acting chief, revealed during a press briefing at Camp Crame that the trucks were stopped along Araneta Avenue for traffic violations on December 17. This led to the discovery of the illicit cargo and the subsequent apprehension of the suspects. Investigations are ongoing to determine the origin of the cargo and identify the masterminds behind the smuggling operation.
Brig. Gen. Hansel Marantan, director of HPG, stated that initial information suggested the cargo was picked up from a coastal area in Bauan, Batangas, intended for delivery to Valenzuela City. This prompted immediate coordination with the Bureau of Customs and other agencies for a more thorough investigation. According to reports from the suspects, the trucks were supposed to reach Valenzuela, but they were intercepted before reaching their destination.
In a related development, personnel from the Regional Highway Patrol Unit 3, based in Camp Olivas, Pampanga, conducted a successful entrapment operation after receiving confirmed information about attempts to bribe public officials for the release of the impounded trucks. Marantan reported that the truck owners attempted to bribe police investigators with PHP5 million.
As a result of the entrapment operation, three male individuals were arrested, and the bribe money was recovered, inventoried, and secured as evidence. Marantan highlighted the audacity of the suspects, noting their attempt to bribe officials directly within the HPG office. The suspects are currently in custody, and charges for direct bribery and other offenses are being prepared.
The administration emphasized its commitment to preventing highways from becoming corridors for illicit trade and maintaining the integrity of law enforcement. The government reiterated that smuggling undermines revenue, fuels criminal activities, and harms citizens, and any attempts to compromise law enforcement through bribery will be dealt with decisively.
