By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is considering conducting more intelligence-driven operations following Wednesday’s seizure of PHP2.7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Cotabato City.
In a statement Thursday, the PNP said the successful operation stemmed from a tip provided by an informant.
“The tip was very critical,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said, noting that the success of an operation was due in part to “timely information” received by the authorities.
“We are seeing more intelligence-driven operations, and we will continue to strengthen that capability across all units,” he added.
The smuggled cigarettes were seized after law enforcers led by personnel from Cotabato City Police Station 3 responded to a tip about a red Isuzu truck with plate number MAJ 1273 being used to transport illicit goods in a secluded area in Barangay Kalanganan 2, Cotabato City.
The PNP said upon arrival, police discovered around 70 abandoned boxes containing the smuggled cigarettes.
Police said the recovered boxes contained reams of BOSQU-brand cigarettes with an estimated total value of PHP2,747,500.
No suspects were arrested, but Nartatez said the PNP will conduct a comprehensive investigation to track down the network behind the shipment, and to determine the identities and whereabouts of the suspects and prepare charges against them. (PNA)
