BIR seizes P9 million worth of illicit cigarettes in Cauayan City, Isabela

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) seized approximately 101,000 packs of suspected illicit cigarettes in Cauayan City, Isabela, with an estimated floor price of P9,016,512.40, the BIR said in a press release Monday.

The packs of cigarettes were confiscated during an enforcement operation by the BIR Revenue Region No. 03 – Cagayan Valley on June 25, 2026, at a hotel.

"The success of this operation reflects the strong collaboration between the BIR, law enforcement agencies, and local government units," BIR Commissioner Charlito Mendoza said.

“Through sustained inter-agency cooperation and strict implementation of the National Internal Revenue Code, we will continue to hold violators accountable and protect the interests of law-abiding taxpayers," Mendoza added.

The operation was conducted in close coordination with the Philippine National Police, CIDG Regional Field Unit 2, Police of the Cauayan Component City Police Station, and the Cauayan City Mayor, according to the BIR.

The seized cigarettes’ total estimated tax liability for Excise Tax and Value Added Tax is P81,178,702.93 and P1,534,663.59, respectively.

The BIR highlighted that the illicit tobacco trade causes substantial revenue losses for the country. — Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/BM, GMA News