By GMA News Published May 18, 2026 6:04am + Add GMA on Google Make this your preferred source to get more updates from this publisher on Google. Authorities recovered more than P43 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested 11 suspects in two operations in Negros Oriental and Zamboanga del Sur over the weekend, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Sunday.In Basay, Negros Oriental, around 700 master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes worth P40.1 million were intercepted by police, who also arrested 10 suspects and recovered the motorized boat used in transporting the contraband.In a separate operation in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, police apprehended one suspect and confiscated 57 master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at P3.2 million.“Bahagi ito ng mas malawak nating tungkulin na protektahan ang ekonomiya at tiyakin na umiiral ang batas sa maayos na paraan. Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating kampanya laban sa mga iligal na aktibidad habang iginagalang ang karapatan ng bawat isa,” PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.(This is part of our duty to protect the economy and ensure that the law is enforced properly. We will bolster our campaign against illegal activities while respecting human rights.)“Ang mahalaga ay tuloy-tuloy ang ating pagbabantay at mabilis ang pag-aksyon ng ating mga yunit sa mga ulat at impormasyon mula sa komunidad at partner agencies (The important thing is that we are constantly guarding and quickly acting on information from the community and partner agencies). We will continue working closely with concerned agencies to prevent illegal trade activities from thriving,” he added.The 11 suspects are in police custody while proper documentation and legal procedures are ongoing for the filing of appropriate charges against them. — JMA, GMA News