THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Davao on Monday conducted a condemnation activity involving forfeited and seized illegal cigarettes with an estimated value of PHP235 million.
In a statement, the bureau noted that the activity ensured the proper and lawful disposal of seized goods and prevented the reentry of illegal cigarettes into the market.
The condemned items — seized during operations conducted mainly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani — totaled 6,400 master cases. Most of the seized products consisted of Bosqu, Cannon Menthol and Gajah Baru cigarettes.
With assistance from the Bureau of Fire Protection and Greenleaf 88 Non-Hazardous Waste Disposal, the port’s accredited service contractor, the BOC added that the seized cigarettes were rendered unusable through dampening and subsequently crushed using a road roller to ensure complete condemnation.
For his part, Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno underscored the importance of strict and transparent disposal procedures, stressing the Bureau’s firm stance against the reuse and resale of forfeited goods.
“We make sure that once these illegal products are seized, they are completely destroyed and never find their way back into the market. This is our commitment to lawful trade, fair competition, and public interest,” he said.
The activity was conducted with the support of the local government of Panabo City and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Panabo City, and was witnessed by representatives from the Department of Agriculture – Enforcement Inspectorate, Philippine National Police, Philippine Navy – Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation, and the Commission on Audit to ensure transparency and compliance with existing rules and regulations.
The condemnation of the seized items is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify enforcement against illicit trade. (PNA)
