ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA — In a strong push to stamp out smuggling and safeguard national economic interests, the Police Regional Office 9 (PRO 9) has launched a wave of intensified anti-smuggling operations, seizing more than ₱103 million worth of smuggled tobacco products and arresting 78 individuals in less than four months.
Under the leadership of Police Brigadier General Roel C. Rodolfo, PRO 9 carried out 51 operations between January 10 and May 2, 2025. These efforts were in line with directives from Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Rommel Francisco A. Marbil and in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s campaign against smuggling and organized crime.
Among the seized items were 452 packs, 5,266 reams, and 1,665 master cases of smuggled cigarettes—confiscations that PRO 9 says send a clear message to criminal syndicates that “the rule of law will prevail.”
Since taking command in January, Brig. Gen. Rodolfo has prioritized the reinforcement of border and maritime security in smuggling-prone areas. Fourteen seacrafts were repaired and deployed for continuous maritime patrols across key locations in the region:
- Zamboanga del Norte: Sibuco, Siocon, Sirawai, Baliguian, and Dipolog (5 seacrafts)
- Zamboanga del Sur: 2 seacrafts
- Zamboanga Sibugay: 4 seacrafts
- Zamboanga City: 2 seacrafts
- Isabela City: 2 seacrafts
These maritime assets are tasked with patrolling known smuggling hotspots to disrupt illicit routes and deter seaborne trafficking.
In a parallel move to uphold discipline within the ranks, PRO 9 also filed administrative and criminal charges against uniformed personnel found involved in smuggling activities, reinforcing the unit’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and internal collusion.
“I commend our personnel and partner agencies for their relentless dedication to protecting our borders,” said Brig. Gen. Rodolfo. “No one is above the law. We will maintain zero tolerance and we will pursue violators without letup.”
The sweeping operations underscore PRO 9’s firm commitment to dismantling smuggling networks and defending the country’s economic frontlines through inter-agency coordination, strategic enforcement, and operational readiness.