GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews / 2 December) – Authorities seized P24 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in November, with the largest bust in Region 12 this year occurring in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, where P19 million worth of contraband was confiscated. Brig. Gen. Arnold Ardiente, Police Regional Office 12 director, confirmed the P19 million seizure at a warehouse in Barangay Wal, Palimbang, during a joint operation involving the Palimbang Municipal Police Station, 2nd Sultan Kudarat Police Mobile Force Company, and the Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion, coordinated with the Bureau of Customs – General Santos City Sub-Port. Ardiente highlighted the operation’s success as proof of PRO-12’s commitment to combating smuggling and economic sabotage, emphasizing the importance of protecting the region’s economy and public welfare. Soccsksargen, or Region 12, includes South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, and Kidapawan. The warehouse owner, alias “Lupin,” faces charges under Republic Act 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act). During the raid, which was witnessed by Barangay Wal chairperson Benengen Usop, authorities confiscated 320 boxes of King Philip, 75 boxes of Brighton, and 100 boxes of Gajah Baru. The contraband was taken to the Palimbang municipal police station for proper disposition. Earlier, on September 4, authorities intercepted P15.7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, highlighting PRO-12’s intensified efforts to curb illicit trade and protect legitimate businesses. Ardiente stressed that tobacco smuggling not only deprives the government of revenue but also fuels criminal networks, threatening regional peace and security. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)
