PALIMBANG, Sultan Kudarat — A timely intelligence tip from members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) led to the seizure of more than ₱7.8 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in a coastal barangay of Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, on Sunday afternoon, October 13, 2025.
According to reports from the Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12), operatives from the Regional Intelligence Division 12 and the Palimbang Municipal Police Station (MPS), in coordination with the Bureau of Customs (BOC), acted swiftly after receiving information from the MNLF community about a cache of smuggled cigarettes stored in Barangay Kraan, allegedly awaiting transport for distribution.
At around 5:00 p.m., the team arrived at the area and discovered two unidentified men guarding and arranging the pile of cigarette boxes. Upon noticing the approaching law enforcement personnel, the suspects fled toward different directions, abandoning the contraband.
Recovered from the site were 177 boxes and 50 reams of F2 Cigarettes, 19 boxes of Tabaco Cigarettes, 62 reams of Hero Cigarettes, and 50 reams of Canon Cigarettes — all valued by the Bureau of Customs at ₱7,828,139.60.
Authorities have taken custody of the seized items for documentation and will turn them over to the Bureau of Customs Sub-Port in General Santos City for proper disposition.
In a statement, PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente, Regional Director of PRO-12, commended the vigilance and cooperation of the MNLF community, emphasizing their critical role in curbing illegal trade activities in the region.
“We deeply appreciate the vigilance and cooperation of our MNLF brothers who have shown genuine commitment to the rule of law and to the fight against smuggling. Together, we continue to strengthen our shared vision of a safer and more progressive SOCCSKSARGEN,” PBGEN Ardiente said.
Authorities are pursuing leads to identify and apprehend the individuals involved in the smuggling operation.
The successful operation highlights the growing cooperation between local communities and law enforcement agencies in the continuing fight against illicit trade in Southern Mindanao.