PARANG, Maguindanao del Norte — A Philippine Army soldier was arrested after he was caught transporting smuggled cigarettes during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Macasandag on the night of November 15—an incident that once again puts the spotlight on law enforcers who themselves violate the laws they swore to uphold.
Personnel from the 2nd MP, 1401st RMFB 14-A, together with Parang MPS, PIU-MDN, TSC, and other units under RMFB 14-A, intercepted a Toyota Vios (plate number JAB 1070) driven by Technical Sergeant Vergelio Marapao Jr., 46, a resident of Zamboanga City and an active member of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion stationed in Carmen, North Cotabato.
During inspection, authorities discovered ten boxes containing 248 reams of San Marino smuggled cigarettes, with an estimated market value of ₱194,680. Marapao was immediately taken into custody.
He is now facing charges for violating Republic Act 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act) and Republic Act 10643 (Graphic Health Warnings Law)—laws intended to curb smuggling and ensure proper regulation of tobacco products.
Police have turned over the suspect, the vehicle, and the seized contraband to the Parang Municipal Police Station, pending turnover to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition.
The arrest—made possible by strict checkpoint enforcement—highlights a troubling reality: even those tasked to enforce the law are among those being caught breaking it. Authorities stressed that this incident should serve as a clear reminder that no uniformed personnel is above the law, and accountability must be enforced without exception.
As investigations continue, calls grow louder for the Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies to intensify internal cleansing efforts to prevent similar abuses of authority.