TAGOLOAN, Misamis Oriental — The Bureau of Customs has vowed to run after the financiers behind cigarette smuggling, saying law enforcement efforts should focus not only on couriers and warehouse operators but also on the masterminds of the illegal trade.
“Kawawa naman ang nahuhuli driver, pahinante, hanapin po natin ang totoong utak nito!” said Romeo Allan Rosales, the agency’s intelligence commissioner, on Monday, February 16.
He assured the public that authorities will intensify operations to identify and prosecute those financing cigarette smuggling in Northern Mindanao.
On the same day, the Bureau of Customs Region 10 destroyed more than ₱188 million worth of smuggled cigarettes at its sub-port inside the Phividec Industrial Estate.
The seized items consisted of over 4,000 master cases recovered from various border areas across the region.
Rosales thanked the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other partner agencies for supporting border protection and anti-smuggling efforts.
He reiterated the BOC’s zero-tolerance policy against smuggled tobacco and the illegal entry of agricultural products.
“We do not stop here. Let’s file the cases against those perpetrators,” Rosales said, emphasizing that seizure and destruction operations alone are not enough.
“Habulin natin sila para tumigil sila. Let us unmask those who are financing this,” he added.
Meanwhile, Misamis Oriental 2nd District Rep. Yevgeny Vincente Emano said the Tagoloan port within the Phividec estate was established during his term as mayor to spur trade and economic opportunities in Northern Mindanao.
He acknowledged that some individuals have taken advantage of the facility for illegal activities.
“I’m honored and happy that we are able to apprehend and capture, as stated by Commissioner Rosales, not only drivers and pahinante but also go to the roots of those trying to take advantage and harm the economy of Mindanao,” Emano said.
Emano pledged to support the filing of a bill in the House of Representatives to strengthen protections against illegal trade and smuggling in the region.
