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 74 operations launched by law enforcement agencies in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, and Camiguin from 2024 to 2025.

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

BOC added that the smuggled cigarettes are highly dangerous, noting that aside from depriving the government of tax revenues and jobs for the public, there is also no assurance about the materials used in manufacturing these products.

“These smuggled cigarettes are harmful to public health pag-ginamit yan na yosi ng ating kababayan at hind ito accredited na yosi ng government ay pwedeng magkasakit ang ating mga kababayan so sisirain natin ito ng tuluyan para hindi pumasok sa palengke at para hindi ma-consume ng ating mga kababayan,” BOC CDO Deputy Collector for Operations, Atty. Mohammad Ben-Usman, said.

“I hope that this momentous occasion will serve as a warning to those engaged in illicit activities and also to those who are planning to engage in those illicit activities,” BOC CDO District Collector, Atty. Manuel Zurbito Jr., added.

BOC stressed that authorities will not only go after those transporting smuggled cigarettes but will also pursue the individuals behind the operations.

“Let’s file the cases against those perpetrators we should show them that we are really serious hind lang nahuli natin sisirain natin habulin natin sila para tumigil sila,” BOC Deputy Commissioner for the Intelligence Group, Romeo Allan Rosales, said.

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 added.

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.