11/08/2026
CIDG AND BOC SEIZE PHP 5M ALLEGED SMUGGLED CI******ES IN ZAMBOANGA AND BASILAN
In line with the government’s fight against cigarette smuggling and agricultural economic sabotage, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG),
intensified its law enforcement operations against illicit to***co products in Zamboanga peninsula, that resulted in the confiscation of Php 5,091,932.00 worth of evidence.
On August 7, 2026 at around 9:45 PM in Brgy. Eastside, Isabela City, Basilan, the CIDG Basilan Provincial Field Unit together with the territorial police units arrested a male suspect while in possession and control of thirty (30) master cases of alleged smuggled ci******es valued at PhP 1,050,000.00.
On August 8, 2026 at around 8:14 PM to 11:30 PM, the Regional Special Operations Team (RSOT) of CIDG Regional Field Unit 9, together with Bureau of Customs (BOC) and territorial police units conducted law enforcement operation in Brgy. Patalon, Zamboanga City that resulted in the confiscation of 24 master cases and 30 reams of alleged smuggled ci******es with an estimated value of PhP 4,041,932.00.
The seized to***co products in the two successive operations —worth PhP 5,091,932.00, have no graphic health warnings, and BIR tax stamps.
The CIDG Director emphasized that under Republic Act No. 10643 or “Graphic Health Warnings Law” the State protects and promotes the right to health of the people and instills health consciousness among them; and protects consumers from trade malpractices and from substandard to***co products by effectively instilling health consciousness through mandatory graphic health warmings —photographic image printed in the package which accurately depicts the hazards of to***co use, and is accompanied by textual warning related to the picture.
The Director also stresses that pursuant to Republic Act No. 8424 (Tax Reform Act of 1997), the State promotes sustainable economic growth through the rationalization of the Philippine internal revenue tax system, including tax administration, in order to improve levels of disposable income and increase economic activity. Selling cigarette packs without the mandatory Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) excise tax stamps in the Philippines classifies the products as untaxed and violation of law.
The leadership of CIDG commends PCOL Rafael D Lero, the Regional Chief of CIDG Regional Field Unit 9, and the CIDG Basilan Provincial Field Unit headed PLT Silverio M Omboy for the arrest of the violator of law, and the confiscation of the alleged illicit ci******es. The accomplishments underscore the CIDG’s commitment in implementing the laws; and serve as a warning to all merchants to strictly comply with the law.
The CIDG assures the public of its steadfast campaign against smuggling and illegal trade across the country, and affirms its commitment to national economic protection. The Group strongly encourages everyone to report all illegal activities and suspicious warehouse and manufacturing facilities in their localities, and the CIDG will do the rest.
