The Philippine National Police (PNP) continues to intensify its campaign against illicit trade after successfully dismantling two separate illegal operations involving counterfeit appliances and smuggled cigarettes in Bulacan and Zamboanga Sibugay.
These decisive law enforcement actions demonstrate the PNP’s unwavering commitment to protect consumers, safeguard communities, and uphold fair and lawful commerce nationwide under its Focused Agenda on Enhanced Managing Police Operations.
On January 14, 2026, at around 1:30 PM, personnel from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit 3, Bulacan Provincial Field Unit, and the Bocaue Municipal Police Station implemented a search warrant on two warehouses located in Barangay Taal, Bocaue, Bulacan. The operation was conducted for violations of Republic Act No. 7394, otherwise known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines.
The search led to the arrest of five suspects, one Chinese national and four Filipino nationals, and the seizure of thousands of boxes of unregistered TIXX-brand appliances. Confiscated items included gas stoves, air fryers, water dispensers, heaters, vacuum cleaners, air coolers, and multifunctional steamers, with a total estimated market value of Php43,733,700.
In a separate operation, operatives from the Olutanga Municipal Police Station, Police Investigation Unit, and the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company conducted an anti-smuggling operation at around 11:05 PM on the same day in Olutanga, Zamboanga Sibugay. The coordinated effort resulted in the arrest of two Filipino suspects and the confiscation of 18 master cases and 83 reams of smuggled cigarettes, along with a motorized boat used in the illegal activity. The combined estimated value of the seized items amounted to Php1,126,518.
Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Acting PNP Chief, commended the operating units for their swift and coordinated response, stating: “Ang mga ganitong operasyon ay patunay na hindi nagpapabaya ang kapulisan sa kanilang tungkulin. Pinapakita natin na ang PNP ay handang kumilos para protektahan ang karapatan ng mamamayan at siguruhin na ang batas ay ipinatutupad nang patas at mabilis.”
As of this writing, all confiscated items and arrested individuals are under the custody of their respective PNP units for proper disposition and the filing of appropriate charges.
These successful operations highlight the PNP’s sustained commitment to strengthen police operations, curb illegal trade, and ensure public safety and economic integrity across the country, reaffirming that no individual is above the law.
