Maitum, Sarangani Province – In a decisive crackdown against smuggling, law enforcement authorities intercepted an illicit shipment of cigarettes in Barangay Mindupok, Maitum, on the night of February 4, 2025. The operation led to the arrest of one suspect and the confiscation of contraband worth PHP 188,592.
The operation, led by PMAJ Ramil B. Aruelor, Chief of Police of Maitum Municipal Police Station (MPS), was part of heightened security measures in preparation for the 2025 Local and National Elections. At around 11:00 PM, a mobile patrol unit was conducting routine rounds along the National Highway in Purok Bantog when a concerned citizen reported suspicious activity near the seashore, approximately 300 meters from the highway.
Acting swiftly, a composite team from Maitum MPS, Sarangani Police Provincial Office-Provincial Intelligence Unit (SPPO-PIU), Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12 (RMFB12), and the 2nd Sarangani Provincial Mobile Force Company (2nd SPMFC) proceeded to the reported site. There, they caught a suspect in the act of unloading the smuggled cigarettes from a motorized bangka.
The suspect, identified as alias “Osan,” a 40-year-old farmer from Purok Malipayon, Barangay Mindupok, was immediately apprehended. Seized from his possession were five cases containing 240 reams of Fort Cigarettes, suspected to be smuggled, amounting to PHP 188,592.
Authorities ensured that the suspect was informed of his legal rights in a language he fully understood. The operation was conducted in coordination with Barangay Captain of Barangay Mindupok and a media representative from Radio Bandera Philippines, who witnessed the inventory and tagging of the confiscated items.
Following his arrest, the suspect underwent a mandatory medical examination at Sarangani Provincial Hospital-Maitum in compliance with RA 9745 (Anti-Torture Act of 2009) before being taken to Maitum Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper legal proceedings. Meanwhile, the seized contraband will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for certification and further action.
A case for violating RA 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act) in relation to RA 12022 is being prepared against the suspect through inquest proceedings.
This successful operation highlights the unwavering commitment of law enforcement agencies in combating smuggling and ensuring peace and order, particularly as the nation gears up for the upcoming elections.
