ALABEL, Sarangani Province — Police seized smuggled cigarettes worth nearly ₱200,000 and arrested a suspect during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Maribulan, Alabel, on Monday, September 8, 2025.
Personnel of the 2nd Maneuver Platoon, 1st PMFC of the Sarangani Police Provincial Office flagged down a red Mitsubishi Mirage driven by a man identified only as alias “Cezar,” 37, a resident of Barangay Labangal, General Santos City.
Upon inspection, authorities discovered three cartons marked “FORT Brand Cigarettes” and several reams of the same brand concealed inside a sack in the vehicle’s rear compartment. The driver failed to present legal documents and tax declarations covering the items, prompting his immediate arrest.
A total of 250 reams of FORT brand cigarettes, with an estimated market value of ₱196,450, were confiscated. The suspect is now under the custody of the Alabel Municipal Police Station for proper documentation, while the seized contraband and vehicle will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs in General Santos City for disposition.
Police Brigadier General Arnold P. Ardiente, Regional Director of PRO 12, commended the operating troops for their vigilance and reaffirmed the regional police’s resolve to curb smuggling activities in SOCCSKSARGEN.
“This accomplishment is a testament to our firm campaign against smuggling. PRO 12 will continue to intensify law enforcement operations to safeguard our economy and protect the welfare of our people,” Ardiente said.