Jauhn Etienne Villaruel

Article (news)

Karen De Guzman

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770866782829photo-collage.png (2)_cropped_processed_by_imagy.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. welcomed the donation, describing it as a morale booster for police officers as they intensify their fight against illicit cigarettes. Karen de Guzman, ABS-CBN News</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday received a rapid response boat and 30 motorcycles, which it said will strengthen its patrol operations and campaign against illicit tobacco trade.</p><p>According to the PNP, the donated five-meter unsinkable patrol vessel is expected to enhance the PNP’s maritime patrol and rapid interdiction capabilities, particularly in coastal areas.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/5/remulla-2-northern-luzon-politicians-believed-behind-illegal-cigarette-operations-1316">Remulla: 2 northern Luzon politicians believed behind illegal cigarette operations</a></div><p>Meanwhile, the scooter-type motorcycles are designed to improve the mobility and efficiency of police personnel during land-based patrols.</p><p>PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. welcomed the donation, describing it as a morale booster for police officers as they intensify their fight against illicit cigarettes.</p><p>“We have been hard-hitting in the fight against illicit cigarettes whether smuggling and/or the production of these cigarettes with or without your donation, it is our commitment to pursue these illicit activities for several reasons,” Nartatez said during his acceptance speech at the signing of deed of donation.</p><p>He stressed that illegal tobacco products pose serious health risks to consumers, fuel corruption, and deprive the government of billions of pesos in tax revenues.</p><p>“Imagine the health hazard it will bring. It’s very dirty and not compliant to the health of the consumer and of course it opens corruption, the dues that are supposed to be paying the government,” he said.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/2/5/6-chinese-63-filipinos-nabbed-in-pampanga-raid-on-alleged-illegal-cigarette-factory-0757">6 Chinese nabbed, 65 Filipinos rescued in Pampanga raid on alleged illegal cigarette factory</a></div><p>The PNP chief cited projections from law enforcement units in Mindanao, particularly in Region 9, where losses from illicit cigarette trade could reach at least P20 billion annually in unpaid taxes alone.</p><p>He stressed that the crackdown on illegal tobacco trade remains part of the police force’s broader commitment to ensure public safety and maintain peace and order.</p><p>He also underscored the importance of cooperation among law enforcement agencies, stakeholders, and the community in addressing illegal trade activities nationwide.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEOS</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qhcczk0YXk8?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2vQ3vt85wig?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. welcomed the donation, describing it as a morale booster for police officers as they intensify their fight against illicit cigarettes.</p>

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. welcomed the donation, describing it as a morale booster for police officers as they intensify their fight against illicit cigarettes.

PNP bolsters maritime, land patrol with new donated equipment

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PNP bolsters maritime, land patrol with new donated equipment

Karen De Guzman,

ABS-CBN News

Published Feb 12, 2026 11:28 AM PHT

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Updated Feb 12, 2026 11:33 AM PHT

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PNP

police

asset

donation

patrol

illicit cigarettes

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