A massive haul of illegal cigarettes, valued at P235 million, has been seized in a coordinated operation spanning Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and the Davao Region. The contraband, consisting of 6,400 master cases, included popular illicit brands like Bosqu, Cannon Menthol, and Gajah Baru.
The seizures represent a significant blow to the trade of counterfeit goods and a determined effort to protect government revenue. Lost excise taxes from illicit cigarettes severely impact national funds earmarked for public services and development projects.
Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards these illegal products. He affirmed that all seized cigarettes will be completely destroyed, preventing their re-entry into the market and ensuring they don’t resurface to continue undermining legitimate businesses.
This operation isn’t an isolated incident, but part of a larger, sustained campaign against the proliferation of illicit cigarettes. The Bureau of Customs is actively working to dismantle the networks responsible for importing and distributing these goods.
Beyond enforcement, the Bureau is also strengthening its internal structures through a comprehensive “Integrity, Accountability, and Modernization” program. This initiative aims to foster a culture of ethical conduct and transparency within the organization.
A key component of this program is the full implementation of an updated Integrity Action Plan, supported by the expertise of the World Customs Organization. This plan reinforces ethical standards across all offices and promotes responsible practices.
Further solidifying these efforts, a revised Code of Conduct was approved, aligning with both national laws and the globally recognized WCO Model Code of Ethics. This updated code provides a clear framework for ethical behavior and accountability among customs personnel.
