MALAPATAN, Sarangani Province — Intensified checkpoint operations by the Police Regional Office 12 led to the confiscation of smuggled cigarettes worth ₱188,100 and the arrest of one suspect during a joint checkpoint operation conducted on May 13, 2026, in Barangay Poblacion, Malapatan, Sarangani Province.
Authorities identified the arrested suspect only by the alias “Ryan,” 34, a motorcycle driver and resident of Barangay Sapu Masla, Malapatan. He was apprehended after allegedly attempting to evade law enforcement officers manning the checkpoint.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Malapatan Municipal Police Station in coordination with the Malapatan Municipal Law Enforcement Team (MLET), the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), the Regional Intelligence Division 12 (RID 12), and the Sarangani Police Provincial Office–Provincial Intelligence Unit (SPPO-PIU).
Police said the operating team noticed a blue-and-gray motorcycle with a sidecar approaching the checkpoint area. However, instead of stopping for inspection, the driver allegedly ignored the checkpoint and sped away, prompting authorities to launch a brief pursuit operation.
After a short chase, the suspect was intercepted and immediately arrested for resistance and disobedience to persons in authority.
A subsequent lawful search and inspection of the vehicle led to the discovery of three sacks containing suspected smuggled cigarettes, identified as Gajah Baru cigarettes. Authorities immediately coordinated with the Bureau of Customs District XII Examiner through Viber for verification, which later confirmed that the cigarettes were smuggled contraband.
Investigators then asked the suspect to present legal documents such as import permits, customs clearance papers, or proof of payment of duties and taxes authorizing the transport and possession of the cigarettes. However, the suspect reportedly failed to provide any valid documentation.
Confiscated during the operation were 220 reams of Gajah Baru cigarettes packed inside three sacks, with an estimated market value of ₱188,100. Authorities also seized the motorcycle with sidecar allegedly used in transporting the illegal goods.
The arrested suspect is currently under the custody of the Malapatan Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition. Meanwhile, the confiscated cigarettes and other evidence will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs office in General Santos City for proper disposition and further investigation.
Authorities are preparing charges against the suspect for violation of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code, or Resistance and Disobedience to Persons in Authority, as well as Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
PBGEN Arnold P. Pardiente commended the operating units for their swift coordination and decisive action that resulted in the successful interception of the smuggled goods.
The operation forms part of the continuing crackdown of PRO 12 against smuggling and other illegal activities in the region, particularly in key transport routes and border areas in Mindanao.