The Police Regional Office 12 (PRO 12) is reinforcing its campaign against smuggling and other crimes that threaten the economic stability of Region 12 through renewed leadership and intensified operations.
Just a day after the reinstatement of Police Brigadier General Arnold P. Ardiente as the new Regional Director of PRO 12, the regional police office already achieved a tremendous breakthrough against smuggled products as it confiscated Php15.7 Million worth of smuggled cigarettes in the town of Pigcawayan, Cotabato.
The successful confiscation took place at around 1:30 in the afternoon of September 4, 2025, when the PRO 12 operatives, in collaboration with the Bureau of Customs, conducted a Checkpoint operation at the Panatan Border Checkpoint following a thorough intelligence and proper coordination.
The joint operatives uncovered around 400 cases or approximately 20,000 reams of Fort and Berlin brand of cigarettes inside an orange and blue Mitsubishi Fuso vehicles. Six suspects, identified by their aliases as Karl, Joy, Mike, Rods, Antoy and Roy, were immediately arrested and brought to the custody of the Pigcawayan Municipal Police Station. They will face charges for violating Republic Act No. 108363 otherwise known as Customs Modernization and Tariff Act; Republic Act No. 10643 or the Graphic Health Warning Law; and Republic Act No. 12022, relative to Agricultural Economic Sabotage.
The accurate and timely response of the joint operatives highlights the PNP’s untiring efforts, in partnership with other law enforcement agencies, to protect the country’s economic interests, maintain public safety, and prevent the proliferation of illegal activities in the country.
On September 3, Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C Nartatez Jr., Acting Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), led the Assumption of Office Ceremony that marked the re-appointment of PBGen Ardiente as Regional Director of PRO 12, replacing Police Brigadier General Romeo Juan Macapaz. PBGen Ardiente has previously held the said position before he was replaced by the latter last July 30.
The ceremony was held at the PRO 12 Grandstand in Camp General Paulino T. Santos, Tambler, General Santos City. Police Colonel Nathaniel G. Villegas, the Deputy Regional Director for Operations, of PRO 12, welcomed PBGen Ardiente, while Police Brigadier General Arnold C. Santiago, the Deputy Regional Director for Administration, of PRO 12, received PLtGen Nartatez in a separate Arrival Honors in front of the PRO 12 Admin Building.
In his address, PLtGen Nartatez emphasized the restoration of trust and confidence under the leadership of PBGen Ardiente, stating that the latter’s experience and familiarity with the area will bring continuity, stability, and renewed vigor to PRO 12’s peace and order initiatives.
“Today is not simply the start of the new leadership, but also a homecoming for a commander who knows this region well and has already shared in its challenges and triumphs. PBGen Ardiente, your return to PRO 12 is a clear testament to the trust and confidence placed upon you by the PNP leadership,” he said.
In response, PBGen Ardiente thanked the PNP leadership for entrusting him the stewardship of PRO 12, once again. He pledged his brand-new promise to the people of SOCCSKSARGEN, vowing to pursue a people-centered approach to policing, operational efficiency, and accountability within the ranks.
“To all the officers, men, and women of PRO 12, I invite you to continue to work harder, serve better, and protect stronger. Let us prove to our communities that the Philippine National Police, especially in PRO 12, are guardians who wear not only badges but also hearts of service,” he added.
With PBGen Ardiente’s renewed leadership and commitment under the supervision of PLtGen Nartatez, PRO 12 is truly bound for greater heights, always ready and able to deliver outstanding police services to the people of SOCCSKSARGEN.
