Under the firm and uncompromising leadership of Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, the Bureau of Customs once again demonstrated its relentless campaign against smuggling syndicates after more than ₱266 million worth of smuggled cigarettes were crushed and destroyed in Zamboanga City.

This was not just a routine disposal of confiscated goods—it was a powerful warning to smugglers that the days of exploiting loopholes in Customs are over.

Leading the condemnation activity was Port of Zamboanga District Collector Elenita “Iron Lady” Abaño, who oversaw the destruction of 5,069 master cases, 2,620 reams, and 32 packs of assorted smuggled cigarettes at Virgo 8 Tech and Waste Management Services in Barangay Manicahan.

The operation was spearheaded by BOC Enforcement Group Deputy Commissioner Nolasco K. Bathan (Ret.), who delivered the strong message of Commissioner Nepomuceno during the activity.

According to Nepomuceno, the destruction of these contraband goods goes far beyond the mere elimination of illegal products—it represents a decisive act of governance and a bold stand against economic sabotage.

“Smuggling erodes government revenues, distorts fair competition, and exposes the public to unregulated products that may pose risks to consumers,” the Commissioner emphasized.

He further stressed that goods entering the country through deception and violation of the law have absolutely no place in the Philippine market.

But if there is one Customs leader who continues to show fearless leadership on the frontlines of the anti-smuggling campaign, it is District Collector Elenita Abaño of the Port of Zamboanga.

Widely known as the “Iron Lady” of Zamboanga Customs, Abaño has proven that leadership is not confined to an office desk. Instead, she has taken an aggressive approach—personally strengthening enforcement operations, intelligence coordination, and modernized strategies designed to cut off the networks of smuggling in the region.

Under her leadership, coordination with the Philippine Navy, law enforcement agencies, and intelligence units has been intensified, resulting in the successful interception of massive volumes of contraband cigarettes.

Equally important, Abaño has ensured transparency and accountability in every step of the process. The condemnation activity was witnessed by representatives from various national and local government agencies and partner stakeholders, guaranteeing that the destruction was conducted with full public oversight.

According to Abaño, the destruction of the seized cigarettes—some of which had already deteriorated due to prolonged storage—was carried out in strict compliance with Order of Condemnation No. 03-2026 and in accordance with the provisions of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), particularly Sections 1113 and 1145, as well as Republic Act No. 12022, also known as the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.

More importantly, the operation sends a clear and unmistakable message to smugglers and economic saboteurs: there is no safe haven for illegal trade under the new Customs leadership.

With the strong tandem of Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and Collector Elenita Abaño, the Bureau of Customs is clearly entering a new era of bold reforms and fearless enforcement.

And with every shipment of contraband crushed and destroyed, the warning grows louder—those who attempt to deceive the law and exploit the nation will ultimately fail.

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