CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) scored another major accomplishment in its intensified checkpoint operations under the Employing Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) strategy of acting Chief PNP, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., with the seizure of counterfeit cigarettes worth Php 900,000.00 in Nueva Ecija on Wednesday (Sept. 24).
Based on the report, at about 4:30 a.m., lawmen from Gen. M. Natividad Municipal Police Station (MPS) flagged down a Hyundai Starex Van and a white utility reefer van at a checkpoint in Brgy. Mataas na Kahoy, Gen. M. Natividad, Nueva Ecija. Upon inspection, officers discovered 97 boxes of “More” cigarettes and 3 boxes of “Marvel Red” cigarettes, all lacking permits and legal documents. Authorities also confiscated five (5) mobile phones believed to be used in the illicit trade.
The suspects, all Chinese nationals, were immediately placed under custody. Charges for violation of Republic Act 8293 (Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines) are being readied.
PRO3 Regional Director, PBGEN Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr., praised the swift and decisive action of the checkpoint team, stressing the significance of proactive operations:
“Through proactive measures such as checkpoints and intelligence-driven interventions, we are able to protect our people from the dangers of counterfeit products while safeguarding the integrity of legitimate businesses. PRO3 will continue to ensure the safety and welfare of the communities in Central Luzon.”
PRO3 assures the public that its personnel will sustain upbeat law enforcement initiatives in line with the Acting Chief PNP’s 7 Focus Agenda, further strengthening peace and security in Central Luzon. (UnliNews Online)
