CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) led the public condemnation and destruction of 4,360 master cases of smuggled and illegal cigarettes, valued at over ₱188 million, on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the Sub-Port of Mindanao Container Terminal in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.
The large-scale operation was attended by officials from various government agencies, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). Deputy Speaker Bambi Emano also graced the event, expressing continued support for the government’s anti-smuggling initiatives.
The confiscated contraband, seized through multiple law enforcement operations across Northern Mindanao from 2024 to 2025, included 4,360 master cases of illicit cigarettes, 10 reams of smuggled cigarettes, and 24 sets plus 37 pieces of vape products. The total value of the seized goods was estimated at ₱188,038,350.
The condemnation process involved soaking the illicit products with water, flattening them using heavy machinery, and burying the remnants at an accredited facility to prevent recovery or reuse.
PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of Police Regional Office – BAR, who attended the ceremony alongside PCOL Caezar P. Cabuhat, Provincial Director of Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration. “This initiative showcases the coordinated efforts of the BOC, PNP, AFP, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Highway Patrol Group (HPG), and local government units to enforce customs laws, combat smuggling, and protect public welfare,” he said.
PBGEN De Guzman further reaffirmed the PNP’s commitment to intensify operations against economic crimes and sustain proactive law enforcement measures to uphold the rule of law, protect legitimate businesses, and maintain public trust and peace in the community.
This public condemnation sends a clear message that illegal trade and smuggling will not be tolerated in Northern Mindanao, highlighting the government’s ongoing campaign to secure the nation’s borders and protect consumers from harmful illicit products.