MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) seized an estimated P143 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested three individuals who allegedly attempted to bribe police officers to secure the release of the impounded shipment. Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., acting PNP chief, said operatives from the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) intercepted two trailer trucks carrying around 2,000 boxes of cigarettes during a traffic and anti-carnapping operation along G. Araneta Avenue in Quezon City in the early hours of Dec. 19, 2025. Nartatez said initial inspection showed that the trucks were unregistered and the cargo appeared to be undocumented. Authorities said the shipment was allegedly picked up from a coastal area in Bauan, Batangas, and was headed to Valenzuela City. He said the trucks and cargo were turned over to authorities for further verification, while police coordinated with the Bureau of Customs to determine possible violations of customs and tax laws and to trace those behind the shipment. Later that day, Nartatez said they received information that individuals connected to the shipment were attempting to influence law enforcement officers. At around 3:35 p.m., personnel of the Regional Highway Patrol Unit 3 conducted an entrapment operation at Camp Olivas in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, where suspects allegedly offered P5 million in exchange for favorable action regarding the release of the seized trucks. Police arrested three individuals during the operation and recovered the marked money. The suspects were identified as Gener Manzanero Gonzales, 58; Rogie Aycardo Rueda, 40; and Loreto Andal Gertes Jr., 48. The three remain in police custody as authorities prepare charges, including attempted bribery and possible violations of customs and revenue laws, for filing before the courts. The PNP said further investigation was ongoing to identify other individuals involved in the shipment and the alleged bribery attempt.