THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) is working with leading cigarette manufacturers to develop strategies in further improving the government’s campaign against tobacco smuggling, classified by lawmakers as a form of economic sabotage.
“Our goal and our mandate is to put these smugglers away and make them accountable, answerable and ultimately, face the consequences of what they do,” said Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio.
Rubio met recently with Philip Morris International (PMI) and Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corp. (PMFTC) executives, joined by Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service director Verne Enciso and Intellectual Property Rights Division chief Paul Oliver Pacunayen.
“So, in this meeting, we identified the gaps in our strategies. These groups (illegal traders) have been very creative and aggressive in entering our markets so our cooperation with tobacco companies is aimed at answering these with even more comprehensive methods to intercept their modus,” said Rubio.
Enciso said the discussion focused on addressing the proliferation of illicit tobacco products in the market.
“It is important for us to recognize that these are not only very real threats, but that there are well-orchestrated plans aimed at
circumventing our laws. Our cooperation with companies and organizations put in place proper mechanisms to secure our borders and
curb the illicit trade of tobacco,” he said.
During the meeting, the BOC received commendation for its recent operation in Indanan, Sulu, where 19,000 cases of alleged smuggled
cigarettes—with an estimated market value of P1.425 billion—were seized.
Rubio reiterated the bureau’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s borders and upholding its core mandates.
Under his leadership, the BOC remains steadfast in preventing the entry of illicit tobacco products into the country, safeguarding
public health, and protecting legitimate businesses.
The BOC, PMI, and PMFTC expressed their commitment to work closely together, sharing intelligence and expertise to effectively combat the
illicit trade of tobacco.
The collaboration aims to create a formidable alliance against those involved in these illegal activities, ensuring the integrity of the
tobacco industry and promoting a fair and competitive market.