Alabel, Sarangani Province — April 8, 2025 — Police operatives from the 2nd Maneuver Platoon of the 1st Sarangani Provincial Mobile Force Company successfully intercepted a vehicle carrying smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation in Brgy. Maribulan, Alabel, Sarangani Province.
The operation, which took place around 7:30 PM at the Maribulan SPMFC Checkpoint Assistance Center (CPAC), led to the seizure of assorted brands of smuggled cigarettes with an estimated market value of ₱99,796.60.
Authorities flagged down a white multicab drop-side vehicle with a detachable canopy, driven by a 42-year-old man known only by his alias “Kulot,” and accompanied by his wife, alias “Berta.” Both suspects are residents of Brgy. Ilaya, Glan, Sarangani Province.
Upon inspection, police discovered a total of 127 reams of smuggled cigarettes hidden in the vehicle, including 10 reams of King, 13 reams of Cannon, 10 reams of Fort, 15 reams of Berlin, 39 reams of Baru, and 40 reams of Duo cigarettes.
The suspects were immediately arrested and are now facing charges for violating Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. The confiscated items were properly inventoried in the presence of a media representative and will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs in General Santos City for appropriate action. The vehicle used in the transport has also been impounded.
A formal complaint is currently being prepared, while the suspects remain detained at the Alabel Municipal Police Station.
Police Brigadier General Arnold P. Ardiente, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 12, lauded the operating team for their alertness and decisive action.
“This successful interception is a clear manifestation of our intensified campaign against smuggling and other forms of illicit trade in the region,” Ardiente said. “We are committed to supporting the government’s economic protection efforts by ensuring that our checkpoints and field operations are always alert and uncompromising.”
The operation is part of the continuing efforts of PRO 12 to combat the illegal transport of goods and protect local industries from unfair trade practices.