ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intensified its nationwide anti-smuggling campaign after authorities destroyed ₱266,067,363 worth of smuggled cigarettes at a condemnation facility in Barangay Manicahan, Zamboanga City, in a major enforcement action led by top Customs officials.

The large-scale destruction of contraband was carried out under the firm leadership of Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, with the operation spearheaded by Enforcement Group Deputy Commissioner PBGen. Nolasco K. Bathan (Ret.) and implemented by Port of Zamboanga District Collector Elenita A. Abaño.

A total of 5,069 master cases, 2,620 reams, and 32 packs of assorted cigarettes were destroyed at Virgo 8 Tech and Waste Management Services, OPC, following their seizure in several enforcement operations for violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

The activity forms part of the Bureau’s continuing crackdown on smuggling and economic sabotage.

In a message delivered by Deputy Commissioner Bathan, Commissioner Nepomuceno stressed that the condemnation activity represents more than the physical destruction of illegal goods.

“This is not merely the destruction of contraband. It is a clear and decisive act of governance against economic sabotage,” Nepomuceno said.

He emphasized that smuggling undermines legitimate businesses, deprives the government of vital revenues, and exposes consumers to unregulated products.

“Goods that enter the country outside the bounds of law have no place in the Philippine market,” the Commissioner added, reaffirming the Bureau’s commitment to strict enforcement from seizure to final disposition.

Deputy Commissioner Bathan, who heads the BOC Enforcement Group, underscored the Bureau’s strengthened enforcement posture against illicit trade.

He noted that the operation reflects the agency’s sustained drive to dismantle smuggling networks and ensure that confiscated contraband is permanently removed from circulation.

At the local level, District Collector Elenita “Iron Lady” Abaño highlighted the Port of Zamboanga’s aggressive enforcement initiatives and operational reforms aimed at curbing smuggling activities in the region.

Abaño said the destroyed cigarettes were seized through coordinated operations involving Customs enforcement units and partner agencies, including the Philippine Navy, which played a crucial role in intercepting the illicit shipments.

“The condemnation of these goods demonstrates the Bureau’s firm resolve to enforce customs laws and prevent the proliferation of illegal products in the market,” Abaño said.

She added that the destruction of the seized cigarettes—some of which had deteriorated due to prolonged storage—was conducted in strict compliance with Order of Condemnation No. 03-2026 and existing legal procedures.

The seizures were carried out under Sections 1113 and 1145 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, as well as Republic Act No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.

The condemnation activity was witnessed by representatives from national and local government agencies, law enforcement units, and partner stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability in the disposal process.

The Port of Zamboanga, under the leadership of Collector Abaño, reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the country’s borders, safeguarding government revenues, and strengthening inter-agency cooperation in combating illicit trade.

With the strong leadership of Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, the operational command of Deputy Commissioner Nolasco K. Bathan, and the frontline enforcement efforts of Collector Elenita Abaño, the Bureau of Customs continues to intensify its campaign against smuggling and economic sabotage across the country.

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