GLAN, Sarangani Province — Intensified anti-smuggling operations in this coastal municipality resulted in the rescue of a minor, the arrest of two suspects, and the confiscation of more than ₱158,000 worth of smuggled cigarettes in two successive operations conducted from Friday afternoon to early Saturday morning, April 3–4, 2026.
Authorities said the back-to-back operations highlight the growing use of both land and coastal routes for the illegal transport of contraband in the province.
Checkpoint Evasion Leads to Arrest
The first operation unfolded at around 5:10 p.m. on April 3, when a motorcycle sped past a police checkpoint at the Gumasa Community Police Assistance Center (CPAC) along the national highway in Barangay Gumasa.
Personnel from the Sarangani 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company–3rd Maneuver Platoon immediately alerted the Glan Municipal Police Station, prompting a coordinated dragnet and pursuit operation involving the Sarangani Police Provincial Office–Provincial Intelligence Unit and the Maritime Police.
At approximately 5:35 p.m., the fleeing motorcycle—a blue Rusi 125 bearing plate number 179J01—was intercepted in Purok Puting Bato, Barangay Cablalan.
Apprehended were the driver and passenger, identified only by their aliases “Matcha” and “Lucinda,” both residents of Barangay Pangyan, Glan.
A search of the motorcycle led to the discovery of 114 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes branded “Gajah Baru,” with an estimated value of ₱89,581.00. The items were inventoried and documented in the presence of a barangay official before being turned over for proper disposition.
Coastal Operation Rescues Minor
In a separate operation hours later, law enforcement authorities intercepted another shipment of smuggled cigarettes along the shoreline of Purok Tuka, Barangay Burias.
Acting on intelligence information received at around 2:00 a.m. on April 4 regarding the alleged arrival of contraband from Indonesia, joint elements of the local police, the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, Sarangani PPO–Provincial Intelligence Unit, Regional Intelligence Division 12, and the 1st Sarangani Provincial Mobile Force Company conducted a targeted operation.
At approximately 3:31 a.m., authorities discovered a small motorized boat near the shoreline loaded with suspected smuggled goods.
The operation led to the rescue of a 14-year-old minor, identified only as alias “Dado,” believed to have been used in the illegal transport of the contraband.
Recovered from the minor were 80 reams of “Gajah Baru” cigarettes, estimated to be worth ₱68,454.00. Authorities said the items were likely transported from Balut Island, a known transit point for smuggled goods in southern Philippines.
Two other individuals, identified only as aliases “Alas” and “Dindo,” managed to flee prior to the arrival of authorities and remain at large.
Smuggling Route Confirmed
In both operations, coordination with the Bureau of Customs confirmed that the seized cigarettes were smuggled from Indonesia.
All confiscated items were properly documented and turned over to the Bureau of Customs for appropriate disposition, while charges are being prepared against the arrested suspects. Violations include Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, Republic Act 10643 or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, and provisions under the Revised Penal Code.
Police Vow Intensified Crackdown
Police Regional Office 12 Director Arnold P. Ardiente commended the operating units for their swift, coordinated actions in both operations.
“This successful operation reflects our intensified campaign against smuggling and our firm commitment to protect our communities, especially the youth, from being exploited in illegal activities,” Ardiente said.
He added that authorities will continue to strengthen coastal monitoring, intelligence gathering, and checkpoint operations to dismantle smuggling networks operating in Sarangani and nearby areas.
“These incidents underscore the evolving tactics of smugglers, but we remain resolute in ensuring that those behind these unlawful activities are brought to justice,” he stressed.