The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Cagayan de Oro destroyed what it considers illicit cigarettes worth more than P188 million at the subport of Mindanao Container Terminal in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental on Monday, February 16, 2026.

According to BOC-CDO, the items destroyed were seized during various operations in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, and Camiguin, and were turned over by law enforcement officers.

The 4,360 master cases of smuggled cigarettes, including vape juices, were destroyed through hydrolysis and physical destruction using heavy equipment.

BOC Deputy Commissioner for the Intelligence Group, Romeo Allan Rosales, extended his gratitude to the law enforcement agencies for their support in helping BOC fulfill its mandate to protect the country’s borders against smuggling.

“I would like to thank the law the PNP, AFP and other law enforcement agencies who have assisted the Bureau of Customs in combating illicit trade of cigarettes. We have zero tolerance of illicit tobacco, illicit vape, and smuggling of agricultural products,” Rosales said.

Meanwhile, Misamis Oriental 2nd District Rep. Yevgeny Emano lauded BOC and other law enforcement agencies for this accomplishment and vowed to support BOC in crafting and strengthening legislations that further enhance border protection efforts.