The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted a suspected maritime smuggling attempt in the Celebes Sea, seizing approximately 3,000 master cases of illicit cigarettes valued at an estimated ₱180 million on February 24, 2026.
The operation stemmed from intelligence reports about suspicious movements of a bulk carrier allegedly engaged in at-sea cargo transfers. The BOC coordinated with the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Philippine Navy – Western Mindanao Naval Command, led by Rear Admiral Constancio Arturo M. Reyes, to carry out a joint anti-smuggling operation.
Authorities intercepted the vessel about 52 nautical miles west of Kalamansig Port in Sultan Kudarat. Upon boarding and inspection, operatives discovered thousands of master cases of cigarettes without the required importation documents. The vessel’s foreign crew reportedly failed to provide proof of the cargo’s legitimacy.
Initial inventory placed the value of the seized cigarettes at no less than ₱180 million.
Following standard procedures for a potential violation of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, the vessel was escorted to Naval Station Romulo Espaldon under the Western Mindanao Naval Command. It arrived on February 25, 2026 for formal inventory and documentation of the confiscated cargo.
BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to combating illicit tobacco trade. He said the Bureau remains steadfast in its campaign against the illegal sale, manufacture, and distribution of illicit cigarettes and will continue to intensify enforcement operations to protect government revenues and legitimate businesses.
The BOC said the operation supports the administration’s broader drive to curb illicit trade through strengthened maritime monitoring and enforcement, underscoring that smuggling activities will be met with decisive action.
