MANILA, June 5 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered a deeper investigation into possible inter-regional smuggling networks operating across Mindanao following Thursday's seizure of PHP22.5 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and the arrest of eight suspects in Carmen, Davao del Norte.

The latest seizure came a day after authorities confiscated PHP13.25 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Picong, Lanao del Sur.

"We have directed our investigators to determine whether this shipment is connected to previous smuggling cases in Mindanao and to identify any syndicates, financiers, or networks operating behind these illegal activities," PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement Friday.

He added that in...