Maitum, Sarangani Province – April 27, 2025 — Authorities intercepted a shipment of smuggled cigarettes valued at approximately ₱3.9 million during a checkpoint operation in Riverside, Barangay Kalaneg, Maitum, Sarangani Province.
The operation stemmed from a phone call received by the Maitum Municipal Police Station (MPS) from the 1204th Mobile Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 12, reporting the discovery of contraband cigarettes. Acting quickly, the MPS alert team, along with the duty investigator, RID 12 Tracker Team Alpha, and the Sarangani Police Provincial Office (SPPO) Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), rushed to the scene.
Police said personnel from the 1204th MC, RMFB 12 had flagged down an Isuzu Forward truck, with plate number CCE 7631, during their checkpoint operation. The vehicle was driven by an individual identified by the alias “Rey,” 26, a resident of Matanao, Davao del Sur, along with his passenger, alias “Cris,” 22, from Agdao, Davao City.
Upon inspection, authorities spotted boxes of cigarettes after the tarpaulin covering the cargo was displaced by strong winds, revealing the illegal goods. The inspection led to the seizure of 100 boxes of GreenHills brand cigarettes, estimated to have a market value of ₱3,929,000.
An inventory of the confiscated items was immediately conducted on-site in the presence of a barangay official from Kalaneg. The suspects were brought to the Maitum MPS, while the seized cigarettes will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs in General Santos City for proper handling.
Authorities are preparing cases against the arrested individuals for violations of Republic Act No. 10643 (Graphic Health Warning Law), Republic Act No. 10845 (Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016), and Republic Act No. 12022.
The Sarangani Police Provincial Office reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and order and protecting the public from illicit activities.