Authorities in Davao Oriental have supervised the destruction of confiscated illicit cigarettes valued at approximately ₱24.29 million, reinforcing the government’s campaign against the distribution of unregistered tobacco products and violations of national tobacco regulations.
The Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office (DOPPO), led by Provincial Director Police Colonel Joseph A. Fajardo Jr., oversaw the destruction and disposal of 329 master cases, equivalent to 164,500 packs of illicit cigarettes, on November 6, 2026, in Barangay Mahayahay, Lupon, Davao Oriental.
The operation was carried out with the participation of Police Major Ian Marc S. Polestico and personnel of the Lupon Municipal Police Station, alongside representatives of partner government agencies who witnessed the disposal process.
The confiscated cigarettes included the brands New Aris, Bosqu, Greenhill, and Bros. Based on a certification issued by the National Tobacco Administration (NTA), the seized products had an estimated minimum market value of ₱24,296,650.
Authorities determined that the tobacco products violated existing regulatory requirements. The cigarettes were identified as unregistered brands that did not carry valid Graphic Health Warnings and Excise Tax Stamps. They also lacked the required Import Commodity Clearances, raising concerns over their compliance with government regulations governing the tobacco industry.
The destruction was conducted pursuant to an order dated July 29, 2026, issued by the Municipal Circuit Trial Court, Branch 3, Lupon-Banaybanay, in connection with a case involving an alleged violation of Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings on Tobacco Products Act.
To ensure that the confiscated products would no longer enter the commercial market or be consumed, authorities rendered the cigarettes unfit for consumption through water spraying. The remains were subsequently buried using a backhoe as part of the proper disposal procedure.
The activity highlights the continuing enforcement role of law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies in addressing the circulation of illicit tobacco products, which undermine government regulation and may deprive the state of legitimate excise tax revenues.
DOPPO said the activity reflects its commitment to implementing court directives, enforcing tobacco regulations, and strengthening coordination with partner agencies in the campaign against illegal tobacco products.
Beyond the destruction of the seized inventory, the operation underscores the importance of sustained enforcement and inter-agency cooperation in preventing unregistered and non-compliant tobacco products from reaching consumers.