Port of Davao seizes P235-M illicit cigarettes

THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) said it intercepted P235 million worth of illicit cigarettes in operations across Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur and the Davao Region.

In a statement on Monday, the bureau said the seizures conducted by the Port of Davao totaled 6,400 master cases with an estimated value of P235 million. It included brands such as Bosqu, Cannon Menthol, and Gajah Baru.

This was part of a broader campaign against illicit cigarettes, which undermine government revenue through lost excise taxes.

“We make sure that once these illegal products are seized, they are completely destroyed and never find their way back into the market,” Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said.

“This is our commitment to lawful trade, fair competition, and public interest.”

In a separate statement, the BoC has bolstered its good governance reforms with the Integrity, Accountability, and Modernization program.

“Among the major accomplishments carried out and enhanced was the full implementation of the updated Integrity Action Plan across all offices, with technical support from the World Customs Organization (WCO),” it said on Monday.

Customs also approved a revised Code of Conduct on 21 April 2025, aligned with existing national laws and the WCO Model Code of Ethics. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante