The Bureau of Customs (BOC) destroyed 2,690 reams of illicit cigarettes in Surigao as part of its continuing campaign against tobacco smuggling and illegal trade.
The seized products were condemned and disposed of at an accredited sanitary landfill after being found to have violated provisions of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno also reaffirmed the BOC’s partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP) following an isolated incident involving Customs and PNP personnel in Bulacan.
dreHe directed officials to use the incident to strengthen interagency coordination, operational protocols, and mutual respect during enforcement activities.
The BOC said it will continue working with the PNP and other agencies to protect government revenues, legitimate businesses, and consumers while preventing confiscated contraband from returning to the market.
Source: PhilNews24 | August 26, 2026
