NATION

BoC destroys P129-M abandoned cigarettes

To maintain transparency and public accountability throughout the enforcement action, the Port of Subic streamed the destruction operations live on its official YouTube channel.

Neil Alcober · Aug 27, 2026, 2:18 AM

THE Bureau of Customs Port of Subic destroyed 3,000 cases of illicit, abandoned cigarettes valued at P129.065 million. The shipment, housed in three 40-foot containers, was condemned as part of ongoing operations against illegal imports and border control enforcement. — PHOTOGRAPH courtesy of BOC-PORT OF SUBIC

The Bureau of Customs (BoC) Port of Subic destroyed three 40-foot shipping containers filled with approximately 3,000 cases of abandoned cigarettes valued at P129.065 million, tax and border authorities announced Wednesday.

The disposal took place from 28 July to 3 August at Legaxy 88 Recyclable Materials Collection Services, an accredited facility located in Santa Maria, Bulacan.

In a statement issued 26 August 2026, customs officials said the destruction was carried out using industrial shredding and pyrolysis in compliance with standard disposal regulations.

The initial shipment forms part of a larger cluster of 10 abandoned containers carrying illicit cigarettes worth an estimated P413 million overall.

Officials confirmed that condemnation operations are ongoing for the remaining seven containers.

To maintain transparency and public accountability throughout the enforcement action, the Port of Subic streamed the destruction operations live on its official YouTube channel.

Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, district collector Geniefelle P. Lagmay and Auction and Cargo Disposal Unit chief Ronald P. Arzadon directed the condemnation process.

Port officials reaffirmed that all disposal activities are conducted alongside specialized oversight committees to ensure contraband is accounted for, fully rendered unusable, and destroyed according to law.