The Highway Patrol Group-SOCCSKSARGEN (HPG-12) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Southern Mindanao will monitor their personnel closely after a policeman and a PCG member were arrested for alleged involvement in cigarette smuggling.

A police staff sergeant assigned at the HPG and the PCG member assigned in Sarangani were among the four people arrested with alleged smuggled cigarettes in General Santos City on Thursday, February 20, 2025.

Police said the convoy of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) with the four suspects on board, and a van, ignored a checkpoint manned by the 2nd Mobile Force Company. The two vehicles were carrying alleged smuggled cigarettes.

Authorities pursued the suspects until the SUV was intercepted while the van figured in an accident.

The chief of the HPG-12 expressed his dismay over the alleged involvement of the policeman.

“Ako wala malipay ug nadismaya ako kay tungod despite sa among pahimangno gikan sa atung chief PNP, director sa HPG, ug kami tanan, gina-remind sila nga dili mag-apil apil mga iligal lalo na ning mga ginabawal ug ginapangunahan sa atong pag campaign , lalo na kining smuggling,” HPG-12 Chief, Col. Benito Recopuerto, said.

After the incident, HPG-12 said all personnel will be monitored closely, including those who are off-duty.

“In my level, gihugtan nato ang pahimangno sa atung team leaders nga monitoron gyud ang ilang personahe nga bisag kini sila off duty mahibaw an ang mga whereabouts and ginahangyo pud naku sa mga territorial units nga lalo na sa intelligence community kung naa silay namatikdan na if possible makafeeback sila amua para as early atu sila matagaan ug igo nga mga penalty,” Recopuerto added.

PCG-Southern Mindanao will also investigate the PCG member arrested.

The PCG member may face administrative charges or dismissal from service if proven guilty.

“We ensure the public, the commitment of Philippine Coast Guard that we do not condone this kind of activity especially kung may tao tayong na-iinvolve, so we assure our personnel that this kind of involvement na maaring mapatunayan is dealt with severely, so this is a stern warning na ‘wag silang masangkot sa ganyang mga bagay,” PCG-Southern Mindanao Deputy Commander, Joe Luviz Mercurio, said.