CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), in coordination with partner agencies, intensified its campaign against illicit tobacco products following a series of operations conducted in Tarlac, Zambales, and Olongapo City on Monday (Feb. 9), resulting in the arrest of several individuals and the confiscation of illicit cigarettes with a combined value of more than ₱480,000.00.
In Gerona, Tarlac, at about 2:05 p.m., personnel of the Provincial Intelligence Unit – Tarlac Police Provincial Office (PIU-TPPO), together with IOS-RID3, Gerona MPS, and representatives from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), conducted a buy-bust operation.
The operation resulted in the arrest of a 44-year-old woman who was caught in the act of selling illicit tobacco products in violation of RA 10643 (Graphic Health Warning Law), RA 12022 (Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act), and RA 11346 (Excise Tax on Tobacco Products, Heated Tobacco Products, and Vapor Products).
Confiscated during the operation were assorted illicit cigarettes worth ₱32,021.00, including buy-bust money.
Earlier at about 2 p.m in Capas, Tarlac, another buy-bust operation was conducted by PIU-TPPO, RID PRO3, RSOG PRO3, Capas MPS, and BIR representatives. The operation led to the arrest of a 49-year-old woman, who was likewise caught selling illicit tobacco products in violation of RA 10643 and RA 11346. Various brands of illicit cigarettes amounting to ₱50,000.00 were confiscated.
Meanwhile, in San Marcelino, Zambales, joint operatives from the BIR, PIU-ZPPO, RID3-IOS, and San Marcelino MPS arrested a 52-year-old female suspect at about 11:55 a.m. for violation of Section 263-A of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, resulting in the confiscation of illicit cigarettes worth around ₱60,000.00.
Later that evening at about 11:10 p.m., personnel of Police Station 1, City Intelligence Unit – Olongapo City Police Office, Olongapo City Mobile Force Company, and RID3, together with a representative from the Philippine Tobacco Institute, conducted a follow-up operation near the Olongapo City New Public Market which resulted in the confiscation of assorted illicit cigarettes valued at more than ₱340,000.00.
PRO3 Regional Director P/Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr emphasized that the operations reflect sustained law enforcement efforts against illegal trade and strengthened coordination with partner agencies.
“These operations demonstrate our continued commitment to protecting the public and supporting lawful economic activities. Through strengthened coordination with partner agencies, PRO3 remains firm in enforcing laws against illicit trade in line with the PNP Focused Agenda of our Chief, PNP P/Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., and our 3Ps — Protect the People, Pursue Peace and Order, and Promote Professionalism,” P/BGen. Peñones said. (UnliNews Online)
