Zamboanga: The police confiscated some P158.2 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in a series of law enforcement operations in Zamboanga Peninsula in November, an official said Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Police Regional Office-9 Director Brig. Gen. Edwin Quilates stated that 25 individuals were arrested in 11 coordinated operations across the region last month. Quilates emphasized that the successful operations in November reinforced the commitment to protect the region's economic borders and uphold the rule of law.

The area of responsibility for PRO-9 includes Zamboanga del Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga del Sur, as well as the cities of Zamboanga and Isabela in Basilan. Quilates assured that they will continue to work closely with the Bureau of Customs and other government agencies to intensify patrols and dismantle smuggling syndicates operating in the region.