IN a major crackdown against illegal trade, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue Region No. 13–Central Visayas and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Cebu destroyed a massive haul of seized illicit tobacco products and manufacturing equipment on August 13, 2026.
Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go personally led the destruction activity, emphasizing the national government’s intensified strategy to combat illicit trade, protect public health, and safeguard state revenues.
The disposal exercise covered 170,052 packs of illicit cigarettes, 1,567 boxes and sacks of raw cigarette materials, and two industrial production machines.
Intercepted during various enforcement operations across Cebu, the seized items represented approximately ₱240 million in unpaid taxes and administrative penalties.
“I would like to commend the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs for all their efforts,” Secretary Go stated, highlighting that joint BIR-BOC operations in June and July alone successfully intercepted ₱1.7 billion worth of illegal goods. He reiterated the Department of Finance’s full commitment to bolstering enforcement and holding violators strictly accountable.
Secretary Go underscored that the campaign against contraband tobacco addresses both economic and social concerns.
“There are really two reasons why we do this. First is that we have foregone revenues that could be used to help the programs of the government and help the people of the country. Second is also the health angle: when illicit tobacco enters our shores, and our citizens unknowingly use these illicit products, there could be serious consequences to their health,” Go explained.
BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza commended Revenue Region No. 13, led by Regional Director Douglas Rufino, and partner enforcement bodies.
Mendoza directed BIR offices nationwide to expedite the disposal of seized goods as soon as legal forfeiture processes conclude.
“Once the proceedings are final, there should be no unnecessary delay in disposing of these illicit products,” Mendoza remarked, confirming that criminal charges will be filed against responsible parties.
The operation forms part of the revenue collection and base protection pillar under the BIR DARES program.
