On May 23, 2024, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Davao, in coordination with the Task Force Davao (TFD), seized PhP 17.7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes. The intercepted items consisted of 15,150 reams of cigarettes, 35 sacks of assorted shoes, and 1 unit of truck.

The BOC-Davao will subsequently file the necessary charges against the suspects for violations of Republic Act No. 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

Under the leadership of Acting District Collector Maita S. Acevedo with the guidance of Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, BOC Davao remains committed in combating smuggling and safeguarding the country’s border.

Persistent in its efforts to combat smuggling, Commissioner Rubio stated: “The Bureau of Customs will continue to uphold the rule of law and prioritize protecting the Filipino people from the harmful effects of illicit tobacco products. We are committed in taking decisive action against those threatening our nation’s security and economy.”