Bribery foiled in P143-M cigarette smuggling

In the early hours of December 17, operatives from the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) Special Division together with other units of the Philippine National Police (PNP) intercepted two trailer trucks at G. Araneta Avenue in Quezon City while about to transport a shipment of suspected smuggled cigarettes worth more than ₱143-million.

According to HPG director Brigadier General Hansel Marantan, the operation led to the confiscation of the smuggled cigarettes. The engagement was closely coordinated with the Bureau of Customs (BoC) headed by Brig. Gen. Nolasco Bathan who lauded the PNP’s frontline operations against the illegal trade in contraband goods under the leadership of acting national police chief Lieutenant Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

Inspection on the trailer trucks revealed that the vehicles were unregistered and carrying an estimated 2,000 boxes of cigarettes believed to be undocumented and illegally imported without paying the required taxes.

Initial reports revealed the smuggled shipment was allegedly picked up from Bauan, Batangas and was bound for Valenzuela City. Acting on command guidance, HPG units immediately coordinated with the BoC and other partner agencies to secure the cargo, preserve evidence and begin tracing the network behind the shipment.

Authorities emphasized the prompt coordination ensured that the case was handled in accordance with established legal procedures.

The case escalated later that same day after authorities received verified information regarding attempts to improperly influence law enforcement officers through bribes for the release of the smuggled cigarettes. At around 3:35 p.m., personnel of the Regional Highway Patrol Unit 3 conducted an entrapment operation at Camp Olivas in San Fernando, Pampanga.

During the operation, suspects allegedly offered ₱5 million in exchange for the release of the impounded trucks. Three individuals were arrested and the marked money was recovered. Those arrested were identified as Gener Manzanero Gonzales, Rogie Aycardo Rueda and Loreto Andal Gertes Jr.

Following the seizure of the cigarettes, DILG secretary Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ Remulla reiterated that government will never allow public roads to be used for illegal trade nor tolerate bribery or attempts to undermine law enforcement.

Gen. Nartatez said the PNP will continue to reinforce its institutional line through enforcement of decisions governed by law, and attempts to corrupt police officers will be met with swift action.