The Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) at the Subport of General Santos, in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and other enforcement units, intercepted around 150 master cases of assorted smuggled cigarettes valued at approximately P5,932,790 during a joint operation in Makilala, North Cotabato.
On August 14, 2025, the joint team acted on derogatory information regarding a wing van truck that had stalled in the area. The vehicle was found partially open, revealing rice hulls concealing boxes of cigarettes. The truck and its operators were brought to General Santos City for further investigation and inventory of the goods.
The smuggled cigarettes and the wing van will be turned over to BOC – General Santos through the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) for safekeeping. Meanwhile, the two individuals manning the vehicle are now under the custody of the PNP for the filing of appropriate cases.
Consequently, a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) will be issued for violation of Section 400, Section 117, and Section 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in relation to pertinent National Tobacco Administration regulations.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has consistently placed strong focus on protecting government revenues and citizen welfare. Carrying this mandate forward, Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno stated, “From day one, the President’s call was straightforward —eliminate corruption, combat smuggling, and uphold good governance. Working in full harmony with our partner enforcement units, we will continue to crack down on illicit cigarettes, safeguard legitimate tobacco producers and retailers, and ensure that government revenues are preserved for programs that directly benefit the people.”
Acting Subport Collector Ralph S. Rojo, under the guidance of Port of Davao District Collector Maita S. Acevedo, said, “The Bureau of Customs is dedicated to promoting legitimate trade and protecting the welfare of the Filipinos, hence, we will persist in strengthening our enforcement efforts.”