GENERAL SANTOS CITY – A vehicular accident at Diversion Road, Barangay Sinawal, General Santos City at approximately 2:30 a.m. on February 20, 2025, led to the discovery and seizure of smuggled cigarettes.
According to a report received by this office around 2:40 a.m. from PCPT Abdulkadil A. Masil of the 2nd Sarangani Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), a white van traveling from Maasim, Sarangani evaded a checkpoint manned by the 2nd Sarangani PMFC, nearly hitting PNP personnel in the process. This prompted a hot pursuit operation by the PMFC.
The van was later found to have been involved in a vehicular accident at the aforementioned location. A subsequent investigation revealed that the van was loaded with cases of “Gajah Baru” cigarettes in plain view.
A black Toyota Fortuner, also involved in the incident and driven by PSSg Rex Jalandoni, was found to contain three boxes of the same brand of cigarettes.
Four individuals were apprehended in connection with the incident:
- 1. PSSg Rex Jalandoni, 43 years old, Highway Patrol Group (HPG) South Cotabato
- 2. Kenneth Tabion, 43 years old
- 3. Meljy Antugon, 21 years old
- 4. Gerant Gervacio, 41 years old, Philippine Coast Guard
Authorities confiscated the white van, the Toyota Fortuner, and 43 cases of “Gajah Baru” cigarettes.
