MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has seized P13.4 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Misamis Oriental.
According to the PCG, the figure reflected 336 boxes of illicit cigarettes confiscated during an anti-smuggling operation in Barangay Mambayaan, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, on June 12, 2026.
Two vehicles used for smuggling were also seized by the agency.
“The successful operation underscores the PCG’s commitment under its Intensified Community Assistance, Awareness, Response, and Enforcement (iCARE) program to strengthen maritime law enforcement, suppress illicit trade, protect government revenues, and safeguard the country’s economic interests,” the PCG said in a recent statement.
READ: Remulla says ‘endemic’ corruption made illicit tobacco trade possible
The seized illegal items were then turned over to the Bureau of Customs’ regional office in Northern Mindanao for appropriate disposition and further investigation.
Illegal tobacco trade has recently grown rampant in the country, with the Department of Agriculture—citing a recent study from the European Union-Association of Southeast Asian Nations Business Council and Euromonitor International—stating that the Philippines lost approximately P141 billion in government revenue to illicit tobacco trade between 2024 and 2025.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, meanwhile, attributed the P141-billion government revenue loss from illegal tobacco trade to “endemic” corruption in the country. /mcm
