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Philippine Police Chief Urges Tips on Illegal Cigarettes

2/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. urged citizens to report illegal cigarette sales via the Unified 911 hotline, stressing confidentiality in a crackdown after confiscating P2.6 billion worth of cigarettes.
Nartatez announced an investigation into 10 dismissed police officials linked to criminal syndicates, including extortion and kidnapping.
He directed the Intelligence Group to validate these allegations and to enhance monitoring of active officers to prevent misconduct.

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Story summary

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. urged citizens to report illegal cigarette sales via the Unified 911 hotline, stressing confidentiality in a crackdown after confiscating P2.6 billion worth of cigarettes.
Nartatez announced an investigation into 10 dismissed police officials linked to criminal syndicates, including extortion and kidnapping.
He directed the Intelligence Group to validate these allegations and to enhance monitoring of active officers to prevent misconduct.