MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered the immediate filing of criminal and administrative charges against a PNP officer arrested for transporting P1.28 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.
The policeman has been placed under restrictive custody and faces summary dismissal proceedings.
“The arrest demonstrates that no one is above the law. We will ensure a thorough, impartial investigation and, if evidence warrants, the concerned personnel will face both administrative and criminal charges,” Nartatez said in a statement.
The suspect, whose identity was withheld by authorities, was intercepted by Pagadian City Police Station intelligence personnel at a checkpoint along the National Highway in Barangay Tiguma.
According to investigators, the suspect tried to pass through the checkpoint without inspection. However, a search on his vehicle yielded 251 reams of cigarettes branded as “New Berlin” with an estimated market value of P1.28 million.
Nartatez said the operation was in line with the instruction of President Marcos, through Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to intensify the crackdown on smuggling and border control violations.
“Integrity and accountability are non-negotiable in the PNP. We will not tolerate any involvement of our personnel in illegal activities, regardless of rank or assignment. We expect every police officer to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and public trust,” Nartatez said.
The arrest should serve as a warning to the entire police force, he added.
Nartatez stressed that the PNP would not shield any of its personnel involved in illicit activities.
Meanwhile, police arrested three people who ignored a checkpoint in Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental, and seized P20.8 million worth of smuggled cigarettes.
Investigators said the driver and his companions failed to present documents to prove the origin and lawful transport of the shipment.