The first day of 2026 was marked not only by fireworks lighting up the skies and families welcoming the New Year, but also by significant accomplishments of the Philippine National Police (PNP) under the leadership of Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Acting PNP Chief.
In a strong start to the year, back-to-back police operations led to the discovery and confiscation of smuggled tobacco products worth billions of pesos in a single day, underscoring the Nation’s Peacekeepers’ vigilance and operational readiness.
On New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025, at around 10:30 PM, personnel from the Regional Highway Patrol Unit–National Capital Region (RHPU-NCR), in coordination with RHPU-3, were conducting routine anti-carnapping and traffic enforcement operations along M.H. Del Pilar Avenue, Barangay Maysilo, Malabon City. During the patrol, police officers spotted two male motorcycle riders not wearing helmets. When the riders ignored police signals to stop, a pursuit ensued, leading them into the compound of a cargo facility.
With the assistance of a security guard at the site, authorities were able to corner the riders behind 18 cargo containers. While apprehending one of the riders for traffic violations, officers noticed an open container containing boxes of unregistered imported cigarettes. The security guard and two male employees of the facility failed to present proper documentation for the tobacco products, prompting authorities to confiscate the items, which were estimated to be worth approximately Php1.5Billion, and to place the individuals under arrest. The motorcycle rider was issued a Temporary Operator’s Permit for not wearing a helmet, while the containers were cordoned off and secured for further investigation.
Earlier that same day, at around 11:20 AM, joint operatives from the Highway Patrol Group–Special Operations Division (HPG-SOD) and RHPU-4A, in coordination with Police Regional Office 4A, recovered a stolen red Hyundai Accent bearing plate number NGN 6169 in Sitio Singko, Balete, Batangas City. The vehicle had been reported missing by its registered owner, a resident of Las Piñas City, Metro Manila.
Using Global Positioning System technology, authorities were able to trace and recover the stolen vehicle. During a subsequent site inspection, police personnel, with the assistance of Barangay Kagawads, discovered several abandoned vehicles, including trailers and a container van. These vehicles contained large quantities of tobacco cigarettes and other tobacco products, with an estimated total value of approximately Php1.1Billion. As of this writing, no suspects have been identified, and follow-up operations are ongoing.
In a press briefing held the following day, January 1, 2026, at TALA Cargo Solution, No. 201 Mabolo Street, Maysilo, Malabon City, PLtGen Nartatez emphasized the significance of the successful operation, stating: “This discovery underscores the PNP’s commitment to preventing illegal trade and ensuring public safety. We will ensure that all findings are properly validated and addressed in accordance with the law.”
The briefing was attended by Police Brigadier General Hansel M. Marantan, Director of HPG; PBGen Christopher R. Dela Cruz, Acting District Director of the Northern Police District; Bureau of Customs Enforcement Group Deputy Commissioner Nolasco K. Bathan; and other PNP officials.
PLtGen Nartatez further stressed that the successful operations reflect the PNP’s Focused Agenda, particularly the thrust on Enhanced Managing Police Operations. He underscored the importance of sustained patrols, intelligence-driven operations, and strong inter-agency coordination in preventing large-scale smuggling and other high-value crimes.
“Every major seizure sends a clear warning to criminal syndicates and reinforces public confidence in law enforcement. Ang bawat malaking nasasabat na kontrabando ay malinaw na babala sa mga sindikato na hindi sila makakalusot sa mas pinaigting na pagbabantay ng PNP,” he added.
Beyond these major accomplishments, PNP also reported that the nationwide New Year celebration was generally peaceful, marked by zero fatalities and the absence of major crimes during the implementation of security measures to welcome 2026.
Covering the period from December 31, 2025 (5:00 AM) to January 1, 2026 (11:00 AM), PNP deployed a total of 67,254 personnel nationwide. This included 34,579 PNP personnel, 11,694 augmentation forces, and 20,981 advocacy group members. Personnel were strategically deployed in areas of convergence (19,248), places of worship (12,687), motorist assistance hubs (12,210), tourist destinations (5,597), and transport hubs (4,891). To regulate firecracker use, PNP also secured 687 LGU-designated firecracker-free zones manned by 8,196 personnel, as well as 918 community fireworks display areas staffed by 2,449 personnel.
Despite 843 firecracker-related incidents recorded nationwide, authorities reported 183 individuals injured, with no fatalities. Police operations resulted in the arrest of 26 individuals and the seizure of 96,721 illegal firecracker items. Incidents of indiscriminate firing were limited to two cases, resulting in one injured person, the confiscation of two firearms, and the arrest of one individual. Notably, no stray bullet incidents were recorded nationwide.
In addition to preventive deployments, sustained police operations led to the seizure of 61 loose firearms and the arrest of 132 individuals for violations involving illegal drugs, illegal gambling, and outstanding warrants. Significantly, zero index crimes including murder, homicide, rape, robbery, theft, physical injuries, and carnapping, were recorded during the period, reinforcing a stable peace and order situation as the country welcomed the New Year.
Overall, the outcome reflects the unwavering dedication of the men and women of the police force in safeguarding communities. Through strategic deployment, sustained police visibility, and strong collaboration with advocacy groups and partner agencies, the PNP ensured that the New Year celebration was generally peaceful.
As the nation welcomes 2026, the Nation’s Peacekeeper remains committed to serving and protecting the Filipino people beyond the holiday season, faithful to their sworn duty as guardians of peace and guided by the vision of a Bagong Pilipinas.
