The South Cotabato Police Provincial Office (SCPPO) continues to make strides in its campaign against smuggled tobacco products, resulting in the voluntary surrender of illicit cigarettes in the municipalities of Banga and Tantangan on December 22, 2024.
In Banga, at around 10:30 AM, PMSg Joel Bello of Banga Municipal Police Station (MPS) received six reams of MD Centro, three reams of New Boss, one ream of Mighty, one ream of YS, and one ream of Fort Filtered cigarettes. These smuggled tobacco products, valued at ₱3,500, were voluntarily surrendered by Marvin Francisco, a 40-year-old businessman from Purok Mahidaiton, Barangay Liwanay. The confiscated items are now under police custody for proper disposition.
Meanwhile, in Tantangan, at 1:30 PM, Barangay Captain Santiago B. Rodolfo turned over ten reams of assorted smuggled cigarettes, valued at ₱3,800, to Tantangan MPS. These items were surrendered to him by a concerned constituent, following the police station’s sustained information campaign against the sale of smuggled goods. The surrendered cigarettes have been secured and are set for submission to the Bureau of Customs in General Santos City for appropriate action.
These developments underscore the SCPPO’s unwavering commitment to combating smuggling and protecting local commerce. The voluntary surrender of smuggled items reflects the growing public awareness and cooperation resulting from the police’s intensified information campaigns.
The SCPPO encourages citizens to remain vigilant and report similar illegal activities to authorities. Together, the police and the community can work toward maintaining a fair and lawful trading environment in South Cotabato.