LEBAK, Sultan Kudarat — A man wanted for a case involving statutory rape eluded arrest during a police manhunt in Barangay Tibpuan early Tuesday morning, September 1, but the operation resulted in the recovery of an estimated ₱855,680 worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes.
Personnel of the Lebak Municipal Police Station (MPS), together with other operating units, launched a Manhunt Charlie operation in the barangay targeting alias “Pikot,” who is facing a case for statutory rape.
According to police, the wanted person managed to evade arrest after sensing the presence of the operating team.
Despite the unsuccessful attempt to apprehend the suspect, the operation led authorities to another significant discovery in the area.
While pursuing the wanted individual, police personnel spotted 20 cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes in plain view outside a residence.
The seized items consisted of:
- 11 cases of FORT cigarettes
- 9 cases of New Berlin cigarettes
Authorities placed the total estimated value of the recovered cigarettes at ₱855,680.
Police conducted an inventory of the seized items at the scene in the presence of a barangay official to document and account for the recovery.
The operating team also coordinated with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for the proper examination and verification of the cigarette products, as well as for their appropriate disposition in accordance with existing procedures.
The recovery adds another dimension to the police operation, which was initially aimed at locating and arresting a wanted person. Authorities will determine the origin and legal status of the cigarette shipments through the BOC’s examination.
The operation also highlights the continuing efforts of the Lebak MPS and its partner law enforcement units to track down wanted individuals while addressing other illegal activities encountered during law enforcement operations.
Although alias “Pikot” remains at large following the operation, authorities are expected to continue efforts to locate and apprehend him in connection with the statutory rape case.
Meanwhile, the recovered cigarette products remain subject to verification and appropriate legal proceedings by the concerned authorities.