CITY OF BALIWAG, Bulacan — Police operatives of Regional Office 3 (PRO3) sustained its intensified campaign against illicit trade as 19 individuals were arrested and an estimated ₱150 million worth of illegal cigarettes were seized in Brgy. Tarcan on Tuesday morning (April 14).
The operation came on the heels of a weeklong series of anti-smuggling accomplishments across the region, highlighting PRO3’s continuing momentum in dismantling illegal supply chains.
According to PRO3 Director P/Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez, operatives of the Regional Special Operations Group 3 (RSOG3), in coordination with CIDG Bulacan Provincial Field Unit and the Baliwag City Police Station, acted on information regarding the ongoing transfer of illicit cigarettes along DRT Highway, Brgy. Tarcan.
At about 6 a.m., authorities caught the suspects in the act of unloading cigarette boxes from container vans to smaller delivery trucks.
More than 2,000 boxes of cigarettes—bearing MODERN and RGD brands—were confiscated, all without the required Bureau of Internal Revenue tax stamps, indicating non-payment of excise taxes in violation of Republic Act 8424, Republic Act 10643, and Republic Act 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.
Six transport vehicles used in the distribution chain were also seized, with the inventory of the confiscated items still ongoing.
Gen. Mendez underscored that the operation is part of a sustained and expanding effort against economic sabotage.
“After a week of focused operations, this is another significant accomplishment. Ibig sabihin, tuloy-tuloy ang ating kampanya—hindi lang sunod-sunod, kundi mas pinapalawak pa natin ang ating aksyon laban sa illicit trade,” RD Mendez said.
He reiterated that PRO3 remains relentless in targeting all levels of the illegal trade network.
All arrested individuals and confiscated evidence are now under the custody of RSOG3 for documentation and proper disposition, while follow-up operations are underway to track down other personalities involved, including nine still at large. (UnliNews Online)
PHOTO CAPTION:
Police operatives of Regional Office 3 nets P100-M illicit cigarettes in Bulacan and 19 individuals nabbed in weeklong anti-smuggling gains. More than 2,000 boxes of cigarettes—bearing MODERN and RGD brands—were confiscated, all without the required Bureau of Internal Revenue tax stamps, indicating non-payment of excise taxes in violation of Republic Act 8424, Republic Act 10643, and Republic Act 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act. (Photo courtesy of Baliwag PNP
