P25-M SUSPECTED SMUGGLED FOOTWEAR SEIZED IN PAMPANGA

BY KEVIN GALANG

CAMP CAPTAIN JULIAN OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga — Joint operatives on Wednesday seized around P25 million worth of suspected smuggled footwear in an operation in Bgy. Calantipe, Apalit, Pampanga.

Members of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service–Enforcement and Security Service (CIIS-ESS) in Limay, Bataan, in coordination with the Pampanga Police Provincial Office Provincial Intelligence Unit, the Regional Special Operations Group of the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), and the Apalit police launched the operation.

The inspection stemmed from a Letter of Authority issued by the Bureau of Customs (BOC). 

Police said they coordinated with barangay officials before proceeding with the inspection.

After receiving no response despite repeated call-outs and knocks, operatives forcibly opened the warehouse in the presence of local officials to implement the order.

Law enforcement personnel found inside the warehouse assorted footwear bearing patents and markings of the “CROCS” brand, with an estimated total value of P25 million. 

The items are now subject for verification and assessment to determine possible violations of customs laws and regulations.

Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez said the seizure underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation in combating smuggling and other economic offenses.

“Through strong coordination among national agencies, local authorities, and law enforcement units, we are able to protect legitimate businesses, safeguard government revenues, and uphold the rule of law,” Mendez said.

He added that the operation supports the directive of Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla Jr. to intensify the campaign against smuggling and aligns with the Philippine National Police’s focused agenda to strengthen law enforcement operations and inter-agency collaboration.