MALAPATAN, Sarangani Province — Authorities arrested a 26-year-old man and seized smuggled cigarettes valued at ₱128,352.00 during a joint checkpoint operation conducted by local police and law enforcement personnel on Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Barangay Sapu Padidu.
Operatives from the Malapatan Municipal Police Station (MPS), in coordination with the Malapatan Municipal Law Enforcement Team (MLET), flagged down a Rusi 125 motorcycle with a sidecar after noticing suspicious cargo—three large blue cellophane-wrapped packages—being transported by the driver.
Upon inspection, law enforcers uncovered multiple reams of suspected smuggled Cannon Menthol cigarettes. A more thorough examination revealed that a total of 150 reams of the same brand had been concealed בתוך the flooring of the motorcycle, indicating an apparent attempt to evade detection.
The driver, identified only as alias “Aljon,” a resident of Barangay Sapu Masla in the same municipality, failed to present any documents authorizing the transport and possession of the goods. He was unable to provide import permits, customs clearance, or proof of payment of duties and taxes issued by the Bureau of Customs.
Authorities immediately placed the suspect under arrest. He, along with the confiscated cigarettes, was brought to the Malapatan MPS for proper documentation and disposition.
Charges for violation of Republic Act 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), are now being prepared. The law penalizes the unlawful importation, transportation, and possession of smuggled goods without proper documentation.
Meanwhile, Arnold P. Pardiente, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 12, lauded the operating units for their alertness and commitment to curbing illegal trade.
“This successful operation underscores the importance of sustained vigilance and coordination among law enforcement units in protecting our borders and communities from illicit activities,” Pardiente said.
Authorities reiterated their warning to individuals engaged in smuggling and other illegal trade activities, emphasizing that intensified checkpoint operations will continue across the region.