By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday vowed to secure the dismissal and prosecution of six Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel arrested in an anti-cigarette smuggling operation in Misamis Oriental.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said he has ordered the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to help build a strong case to ensure the suspects’ conviction.
“It is highly unfair that while our men and personnel of other government agencies that include PCG personnel themselves are risking their limb and life against smugglers, these people were actually in cahoots with them,” Nartatez said in a statement.
“In coordination with the PCG leadership, we will make sure that these six Coast Guard men will not only be dismissed from the service but will also spend years in jail,” he added.
Authorities recovered 205 master cases of smuggled cigarettes worth PHP3.075 million and an L-300 van during the operation conducted by the PNP Maritime Unit and local police in Naawan town early Friday morning. The illegal items were found inside a Coast Guard sub-station along the shoreline of Purok 5, Poblacion.
The six PCG personnel and a civilian suspect were arrested after reportedly being caught off guard during the raid.
“These people are assigned in different sub-stations so we are looking into a network of connivance for both smuggling and distribution. We will dig deeper and we will make sure that those involved will be held accountable,” Nartatez said.
The PNP has forwarded its report to PCG leadership, with both agencies coordinating for a deeper investigation.
The PCG has also initiated its own investigation into the incident.
In a statement, PCG Spokesperson, Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the PCG is fully cooperating with the PNP towards a thorough and impartial investigation.
“The Command maintains a zero-tolerance policy against any form of illegal activity. Personnel found to have violated the law shall face administrative and criminal proceedings. If proven guilty, sanctions will be given, including dismissal from the Coast Guard service with forfeiture of benefits,” Cayabyab said.
She said the incident “does not reflect the standards upheld by the organization, which remains committed to integrity and accountability in public service.”
“The PCG assures the public that it will take decisive action to uphold institutional integrity and maintain public trust,” she said.
According to a police report, two of the PCG personnel were assigned to the PCG Southwestern Northern Mindanao, while the others were from sub-stations in Laguindingan, Lugait, Libertad, and El Salvador City. (With a report from Raymond Carl dela Cruz/PNA)
