BANGA, SOUTH COTABATO — The relentless anti-smuggling drive of the Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12) bore fruit once again as authorities intercepted nearly ₱2 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and apprehended two suspects during a Commission on Elections (COMELEC) checkpoint operation on April 17, 2025.
The operation, held in Barangay San Vicente, Banga, was carried out by combined personnel from the Banga Municipal Police Station, 2nd South Cotabato Provincial Mobile Force Company, South Cotabato Provincial Intelligence Unit, CIDG South Cotabato Provincial Field Unit, and the Regional Intelligence Division 12. The joint effort was executed in coordination with the Bureau of Customs.
Authorities flagged down a white meat van traveling from Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, bound for Banga. Onboard were two individuals identified only by their aliases — “Bamby,” 48, a resident of Barangay Lagandang, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, and “Dindo,” 44, from Barangay Tidpuan, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.
Upon inspection, the van was discovered to be carrying 40 cases of Fort White cigarettes and 10 cases of Cannon cigarettes, each case containing 50 reams. The suspects failed to present any legal documents to support the transport and distribution of the products, prompting authorities to seize the items and detain the individuals.
The confiscated cigarettes have an estimated market value of ₱1,964,500.00. The two suspects and the seized goods are now in the custody of Banga Municipal Police Station for documentation and legal processing.
Authorities are preparing charges for violations of Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and Republic Act 10643, known as the Graphic Health Warnings Law, to be filed before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
Police Regional Office 12 Regional Director PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente lauded the operatives’ swift action, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to curb smuggling activities in the region.
“This operation is a clear demonstration of our strengthened campaign against smuggling activities. We will not tolerate the illegal entry and distribution of smuggled goods in our region. Our law enforcement units, together with partner agencies, remain steadfast in protecting our borders and upholding the rule of law,” Ardiente stressed.
Authorities reaffirmed that checkpoint operations will remain in full force to ensure the safety and security of the public, especially during the election season.
