Camp Crame Cop Arrested with P1.3-M Smuggled Cigarettes in Pagadian

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – A police officer assigned to the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters at Camp Crame in Quezon City was arrested here on Sunday after his vehicle yielded alleged smuggled cigarettes worth some P1.3 million. He was collared at the PNP Community Police Assistance Center (COMPAC) in Barangay Tiguma, following reports of illicit transport of cigarette products. Operatives flagged down the suspect’s vehicle and uncovered 251 reams of New Berlin cigarettes hidden in the compartment. Police inventoried the contraband in coordination with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for proper disposition. The suspect is in the custody of the local police and faces criminal charges and administrative proceedings. Atty. Pablito Abad Jr., National Police Commission – Region 9 (Napolcom-9) director, confirmed the arrest, stressing the commission’s constitutional mandate to supervise and discipline erring police personnel. “Napolcom-9 fully supports initiatives that promote transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in the police service,” Abad said, adding that the case is under close monitoring to ensure impartiality and diligence in oversight functions. In a statement, PNP chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. noted the organization’s commitment to uphold the rule of law and maintain public trust. “We protect the public trust by being honest and fair in enforcing the law. No one should break the law, especially those expected to enforce it,” Nartatez said. The PNP assured that accountability mechanisms will be reinforced while protecting the rights of all individuals involved in accordance with due process.