The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Davao, in collaboration with the Philippine Navy and Lake Sebu Municipal Police Station, 2nd Platoon, 1205th Mobile Company, RMFB 12, continues its relentless pursuit of curbing smuggling activities within the country’s maritime borders. In a series of successful operations, the agency intercepted significant quantities of smuggled cigarettes and seized the vessels used in its perpetration.

Two joint operations were conducted on January 6 and 10, 2024, in Sultan Kudarat and Brgy. Ned, Lake Sebu, respectively. In Sultan Kudarat, the authorities intercepted 14,000 reams of assorted smuggled cigarettes, valued at PhP7,000,000, along with a motorized banca marked as “MB Al-Amanah,” estimated to be worth PhP700,000. While in Brgy. Ned, Lake Sebu, authorities were able to seize 215 reams of various smuggled cigarettes worth PhP107,000.

Furthermore, a prior operation in Sultan Kudarat which took place last December 3, 2023, resulted in the confiscation of 22,700 reams of smuggled cigarettes valued at PhP17,025,000, as well as a motorized banca marked as “M/B Queen Johara” estimated to be worth PhP500,000.

The individuals involved have gone through inquest proceedings, while the seized items are securely stored pending seizure and forfeiture proceedings. Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio commended the composite team for their successful operation affirming that “The demonstrated efficacy of these operations is a testament to the vigilance and professionalism of our agency as we strive to create safer and more secure maritime borders.”

Under the leadership of Officer-in-Charge Maita S. Acevedo and the guidance of the Commissioner, BOC Davao remains committed in combating smuggling, upholding the rule of law, and safeguarding the nation’s economy and security.