Manila, April 17 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday vowed to secure the dismissal and prosecution of six Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel arrested in an anti-cigarette smuggling operation in Misamis Oriental.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said he has ordered the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to help build a strong case to ensure the suspects' conviction.

"It is highly unfair that while our men and personnel of other government agencies that include PCG personnel themselves are risking their limb and life against smugglers, these people were actually in cahoots with them," Nartatez said in a statement.

"In coordination with the PCG leadership, we will make sure that these six Coast Gu...