Authorities seized smuggled cigarettes from two vehicles that crashed on Diversion Road, Barangay Sinawal, General Santos City, around 2:30 a.m. on February 20. A member of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) and a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel were allegedly involved.
According to an initial investigation, the white van involved in the accident had reportedly fled from a Sarangani 2nd PMFC checkpoint in Maasim, Sarangani Province. The driver allegedly refused to stop and nearly hit police officers at the checkpoint, prompting a hot pursuit operation.
The chase ended when the white van and a black Fortuner crashed at the corner of Litan, Diversion Road. Upon inspection, authorities found several boxes of smuggled Baru cigarettes inside the white van. Meanwhile, the black Fortuner contained three more boxes of the same brand.
The driver of the white van was identified as PSSg Rex Jalandoni, 43, a member of HPG South Cotabato and a resident of Tupi, South Cotabato. His passengers were Kenneth Tabion, 43, of Tupi, South Cotabato; Meljy Antugon, 21, of Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat; and Gerant Gervacio, 41, a PCG member and resident of Barangay Labangal, General Santos City.
Authorities have yet to release further details regarding the suspects’ involvement in cigarette smuggling and possible charges.
