(UPDATE) THE Philippine National Police (PNP) seized an estimated P143 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested three individuals who allegedly attempted to bribe the police to secure the release of the impounded shipment. Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Highway Patrol Group operatives 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. Nartatez said initial inspections 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. Nartatez said the police coordinated with the Bureau of Customs to determine possible violations of customs and tax laws, and to trace those behind the shipment. He added the suspects attempted to bribe the arresting officers. During an entrapment operation at Camp Olivas in San Fernando, Pampanga, the suspects allegedly offered P5 million in exchange for the release of the seized trucks. The police recovered the marked money. The three arrested individuals were identified as Gener Manzanero Gonzales, 58; Rogie Aycardo Rueda, 40; and Loreto Andal Gertes Jr., 48. They will be charged with attempted bribery and possible violations of customs and revenue laws.