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Republic Act No. 10863

Smuggling crackdown

by Rhoda Grace Saron April 10, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

BOC, PNP inspect P156.4-M illicit cigarettes at Davao port

BUREAU of Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and regional police chief BGen Leon Victor Z. Rosete inspected P156.4 million worth of seized illicit cigarettes at the Port of Davao on Thursday, April 9.

The contraband, totaling 182,821 reams with an estimated value of P156,436,273.28, was recovered during two separate intelligence-driven operations earlier this year:

January 6 – 124,150 reams seized (valued at P106.23 million).
April 3 – 58,671 reams seized (valued at P50.20 million).

Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BAR) director BGen Jaysen C. De Guzman and Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Col Peter B. Madria also attended the inspection.

The smuggled items were discovered in various warehouses following the issuance of letters of authority.

Notably, some of the seizures occurred within BARMM, highlighting the inter-regional coordination between police units and the BOC’s Enforcement and Security Service.

The crackdown followed the direct mandate from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify the fight against smuggling and protect national revenue.

Officials confirmed that the cigarettes lacked the necessary permits and documentation required under Philippine law.

“PRO XI will continue to intensify its support to partner agencies in the fight against smuggling,” Rosete said. “This is in line with our commitment to uphold the law and ensure that those engaged in illegal activities are held accountable.”

The BOC confirmed that the seized goods are being processed for violations of Republic Act No. 12022 (Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act) and Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act).

April 10, 2026 0 comments

News

Navy seizes P43.5 million in smuggled foreign cigarettes off Davao del Sur

by Rhoda Grace Saron November 6, 2025

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE NAVAL Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) intercepted a Jungkong-type watercraft carrying P43.5 million worth of undocumented foreign-brand cigarettes in the waters of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, on Nov. 5, 2025.

The operation was the result of a confidential tip from a concerned citizen regarding a suspicious vessel near Barangay Bato, Sta. Cruz.

In response, the Naval Task Force 71 deployed a SEAL Team from the Naval Special Warfare Unit 7 and the BA481 of the 3rd Boat Attack Division to verify the report. They quickly located the vessel, identified as M/L Fatima Shakira, in the area.

After the watercraft failed to respond to a radio challenge, the SEAL team intercepted the vessel and conducted a visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) operation.

The team seized 1,107 boxes of foreign-brand cigarettes with an estimated value of P43.5 million.

Upon verification, it was revealed that ML Fatima Shakira was registered to Alsamer M. Jafaar of Lantawan, Basilan, manned by 12 Filipino crew members led by Master Nurhan Sabtula.

They face a charge of violating Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act of 2016, in relation to Executive Order No. 245 governing the exportation and importation of tobacco products.

During questioning, the vessel’s master admitted that the contraband originated from North Sulawesi, Indonesia, and was bound for Barangay Bato.

The impounded vessel was escorted by BA481 of the 3rd Boat Attack Division to the Naval Station Felix Apolinario (NSFA) in Panacan, Davao City. The smuggled cargo was turned over to the Bureau of Customs.

Additionally, personnel from the Seaport Interdiction Unit of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-XI), assisted by sniffing dogs, conducted a thorough inspection of the cargo to check for hidden illegal drugs.

November 6, 2025 0 comments

News

Driver arrested as P2.1-M in smuggled cigarettes seized in Davao City

by Rhoda Grace Saron November 6, 2025

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

AUTHORITIES seized more than P2.1 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during an operation conducted by the Toril Police and Task Force Davao around 10:37 p.m., Nov. 5, in Purok 2, Barangay Lubogan, Toril District.

The operation led to the arrest of alias Rodel , 48, a driver and resident of Purok 1, Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal.

Rodel was apprehended for transporting smuggled cigarettes, a direct violation of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

The pieces of evidence secured during the operation included 54 boxes of BOSQU cigarettes, believed to be smuggled, with each box containing 50 reams. The total estimated street value of the confiscated goods reached P 2,121,660.

The successful apprehension followed a hot pursuit operation initiated by personnel from the Eden Police Station (PS19), under the supervision of Major Fil Anthony Manlatican, and Police Station 8 (Toril), led by Major Sheryl Bautista.

Personnel from Task Force Davao, led by Major John Louie Dema-ala, Bureau of Customs (BOC) XI and the Regional Maritime Unit-Davao del Sur, led by PCMS Franklin M. Pinsoy, also helped in the joint operation.

Law enforcers also seized a white Hyundai H-100 van (plate number LGN233), which was used to transport the contraband, according to the report.

During the arrest, an alternative recording device was utilized, and the suspect was immediately read his constitutional rights (Miranda Warning) and informed of the cause of his arrest in a dialect he understood.

The seized cigarettes and vehicle are now under the custody of the Bureau of Customs XI, while the suspect is detained in the Eden Police Station.

Photo courtesy of DCPO

November 6, 2025 0 comments