The Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Davao said Tuesday it condemned forfeited and seized illegal cigarettes, in line with the government's intensified enforcement against illicit trade.
The condemned items—seized during operations conducted mainly in the Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur and Davao Region—totaled 6,400 master cases with an estimated value of P235 million. Most of the seized products consisted of Bosqu, Cannon Menthol, and Gajah Baru cigarettes.
BOC 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.
With assistance from the Bureau of Fire Protection and Greenleaf 88 Non- Hazardous Waste Disposal, the Port's accredited service contractor, the seized cigarettes were rendered unusable through damping and subsequently crushed using a road roller to ensure complete condemnation.
The activity was carried out with the support of the Local Government of Panabo City and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office 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.
Under the leadership of District Collector Maita Acevedo, the BOC-Port of Davao continues to implement lawful and transparent disposal of forfeited goods as part of its ongoing enforcement and regulatory functions.