Camp Olivas, Pampanga — Joint law enforcement in Central Luzon discovered some ₱25 million worth of suspected smuggled footwear on March 4, 2026 in Barangay Calantipe, Apalit, Pampanga.
The operation, an implementation of a Letter of Authority issued by the Bureau of Customs, was conducted by joint elements of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service – Enforcement and Security Service (CIIS-ESS) Limay, Bataan, in coordination with the Pampanga Police Provincial Office Provincial Intelligence Unit, Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) PRO3, and the Apalit Municipal Police Station.
Acting on the Letter of Authority, the operating teams coordinated with barangay officials before implementing the inspection. After repeated call-outs and knocks yielded no response, the team, in the presence of barangay officials, forcibly opened the warehouse to implement the authority.
Inside the facility, authorities discovered assorted footwear bearing patents and markings of the “CROCS” brand with an estimated aggregate value of ₱25,000,000. Inspection and verification were conducted in accordance with existing customs laws and regulations to determine possible violations.
The operation was carried out in an orderly and peaceful manner with no untoward incident reported. Inventory, documentation, and further procedural requirements were undertaken by the Bureau of Customs, with additional findings and legal actions to be included in a follow-up report.
PRO3 Regional Director PBGEN Jess B. Mendez said the accomplishment highlights the importance of a whole-of-government approach in addressing smuggling and other economic crimes.
“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,” PBGEN Mendez said.
He added that the operation supports the directive of SILG Hon Juanito Victor Remulla Jr to intensify the campaign against smuggling and is in line with the PNP Focused Agenda of Chief, PNP PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., which emphasizes strengthened law enforcement operations and enhanced inter-agency collaboration to protect the nation’s economic security.
