SURIGAO CITY — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Surigao has intensified its campaign against smuggling and illicit trade following the successful condemnation and destruction of thousands of forfeited cigarettes in Surigao City.
On June 15, 2026, customs authorities supervised the destruction of a total of 191 boxes containing 7,901 reams of San Marino King Size cigarettes at the Material Recovery Facility of the Sanitary Landfill in Barangay Silop, Surigao City.
The illicit tobacco products were rendered unusable through a systematic destruction process involving dampening and crushing with a road roller before being buried in the sanitary landfill to ensure they could no longer be resold or reintroduced into the market.
According to the Bureau of Customs, the cigarettes were previously seized by the Philippine National Police Maritime Group–Surigao del Norte during an anti-smuggling operation and were subsequently turned over to the Port of Surigao for proper forfeiture proceedings and disposal in accordance with customs laws and regulations.
The destruction activity was conducted under the supervision of the Port’s Auction and Cargo Disposal Section (ACDS) and the Condemnation Committee, with support from several partner agencies, including the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Surigao City, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), and Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation, Inc.
The condemnation process was witnessed by representatives from various government agencies, including the Commission on Audit (COA), Surigao City Mayor’s Office, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine National Police Maritime Group, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA). Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and inter-agency cooperation in the disposal of seized contraband.
Authorities emphasized that the destruction of the forfeited cigarettes forms part of the Bureau’s continuing efforts to combat the proliferation of smuggled tobacco products, which deprive the government of much-needed revenues, undermine legitimate businesses, and distort fair market competition.
BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno commended the Port of Surigao and its partner agencies for ensuring the proper and transparent disposition of the confiscated goods. He stressed that strict enforcement measures are necessary to prevent illicit products from finding their way back into circulation.
“The proper disposal of forfeited goods is a critical component of our anti-smuggling campaign. By ensuring that these illicit products are permanently destroyed, we protect consumers, safeguard government revenues, and support law-abiding businesses,” Nepomuceno said.
The commissioner has consistently directed customs personnel nationwide to strengthen border protection measures and intensify enforcement efforts against smuggling and illicit trade activities. The destruction activity in Surigao aligns with these directives and reflects the Bureau’s commitment to enforcing existing laws, rules, and regulations governing the disposition of forfeited goods.
As authorities continue to crack down on smuggling networks, the Bureau of Customs reiterated its commitment to working closely with law enforcement agencies and stakeholders to prevent the entry and distribution of illegal products, thereby protecting both the economy and public interest.
The latest destruction operation serves as a strong warning to smugglers and illicit traders that the government remains vigilant in safeguarding the country’s borders and ensuring that illegally imported goods do not reach Filipino consumers.