THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intercepted a shipment of undeclared cigarettes valued at around ₱235 million at the Port of Batangas, underscoring the government’s intensified campaign to curb smuggling and protect state revenues.
Authorities said the shipment, estimated to contain 637 cases of cigarettes, was discovered following intelligence information received by the BOC Intelligence Group. The report indicated that a container from the United Arab Emirates was allegedly carrying MAC SS brand cigarettes aboard the vessel MV EVER CAST, bound for Batangas.
Acting on the intelligence tip, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) immediately coordinated with port authorities and initiated monitoring and verification procedures. Early checks revealed that the suspected container was not listed in the Bill of Lading, Inward Foreign Manifest, or Discharge List, a discrepancy that raised red flags and prompted authorities to request a Non-Intrusive Examination of containers aboard the vessel.
After several days of monitoring vessel arrivals, the container was eventually confirmed to be on board MV EVER CAST when the ship arrived on February 14, 2026. To ensure strict inspection procedures, the Port of Batangas, under District Collector Carmelita M. Talusan, issued a Pre-Lodgement Control Order (PLCO) prior to the container’s discharge.
A 100 percent physical examination conducted on March 5, 2026 revealed large quantities of MAC-branded cigarettes that were not covered by proper importation documents. Further verification also showed that the listed consignee was not authorized to import cigarettes, suggesting a possible attempt to illegally bring regulated tobacco products into the country.
The seizure highlights the economic risks posed by illicit tobacco trade, which undermines legitimate businesses and deprives the government of significant tax revenues. Tobacco products are among the most heavily taxed goods in the Philippines, making them frequent targets for smuggling operations aimed at bypassing excise taxes and import duties.
According to BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, intelligence-driven enforcement operations remain critical in protecting lawful trade and ensuring the collection of proper duties and taxes.
Authorities are currently investigating the shipment for possible violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, particularly provisions on misdeclaration and regulated importation, which could lead to forfeiture of the goods.
The BOC said it will continue strengthening intelligence monitoring and coordination with enforcement units to prevent the entry of smuggled goods and maintain the integrity of the country’s trade and revenue systems.| – BNN Integrated News
