GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Three individuals were arrested early Friday morning after a truck loaded with allegedly stolen pineapples from a plantation in Polomolok, South Cotabato was chased and intercepted by security personnel and police in Barangay Ligaya, authorities said.
The suspects were cornered at around 3:00 a.m. in Purok 4, Barangay Ligaya, following a pursuit initiated by security guards of Dole Philippines, whose plantation in Polomolok, South Cotabato had reportedly been targeted by the theft.
Initial reports said the group allegedly stole a large quantity of pineapples from a plantation area in Barangay Maligo in Polomolok late Thursday night while heavy rain was falling. Plantation security personnel were able to monitor the theft using a surveillance drone deployed over the area.
Through aerial monitoring, the drone reportedly tracked a forward truck carrying the stolen produce as it fled the plantation. Security guards then pursued the vehicle while coordinating with authorities.
The truck, believed to be loaded with pineapples valued at around ₱300,000 to ₱400,000, was followed from Polomolok toward General Santos City, where it was eventually cornered in Barangay Ligaya after the suspects attempted to evade security personnel.
Police from the Philippine National Police station in Lagao responded to the scene after receiving a call for assistance from the plantation’s security team.
Authorities said 11 individuals were initially believed to be involved in the theft, but only three suspects were captured during the pursuit, while the others managed to escape.
The arrested individuals were taken into custody and are expected to be turned over to the Polomolok Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and the filing of appropriate charges related to theft and other possible violations.
The truck used in the operation and the recovered pineapples were also secured as evidence.
Plantation officials have yet to release a statement, but the incident highlights the increasing use of drone technology in agricultural security, allowing plantation operators to quickly detect and respond to theft in large farming areas.
Authorities are continuing their investigation and have launched a follow-up operation to identify and locate the remaining suspects who escaped during the chase.