SAN Simon town Mayor Leonora Wong on Monday, August 6, lauded the swift action of the local police and village officials which resulted in the immediate arrest of four individuals, including two police officers, who were caught in the act of peddling counterfeit cigarettes in town.

The suspects, who were arrested on August 3, were identified as Police Officer (PO) 1 Jupiter Quizon, 35, and PO1 Christian Damian, 30, both members of the Manila Police District who have gone on absence without leave (AWOL).

Other suspects are Jona Cenia, 43, barangay kagawad of Euseco, Tondo, Manila, and Marlon Padalian Perez, 22.

Chief Inspector Loiue Gonzaga, San Simon chief of police, said Damian and Quizon identified themselves as police officers while going around the village to offer Marlboro cigarette products to prospective buyers, particularly sari-sari store owners.

However, buyers were allegedly quick to notice that the products were counterfeit based on the packaging appearance and taste, and reported it to barangay officials who, in turn, immediately responded and traced the location of suspects.

Police recovered three boxes of counterfeit Marlboro red filter and light cigarettes amounting to some P100,000, and two undocumented 9mm pistol with ammunition which are allegedly police officers’ service firearms.

Gonzaga confirmed to Sun.Star Pampanga on Monday that the boxes of cigarettes were all counterfeit based on the verification conducted by Philip Moris officials, upon the request of the local police.

Wong, in a separate interview, said the arrest of the suspects is a clear manifestation of the vigilance and coordination of police and village officials in maintaining peace and order.

“The quick action of the barangay tanod of Sto. Niño and our policemen show their alertness and readiness in responding to the peace and order needs of the community,” Wong said.

She added that the coordination of residents to authorities also showed the unity between Simonians in fighting criminality and ensuring the safety and security of the people and the community.

“We hope that this incident will be emulated by other Simonian communities and will lead to the maintenance of peace and order in the whole of San Simon,” she said.