BOC Intercepts ₱235-M Undeclared Cigarettes At Batangas Port

MANILA (March 7) –The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted a shipment of undeclared cigarettes during an operation conducted at the Port of Batangas, reinforcing the agency’s intensified efforts against the smuggling of regulated goods in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen border protection and safeguard government revenues.

The shipment is estimated to contain 637 cases of cigarettes with an estimated market value of approximately ₱235 million.

The operation stemmed from derogatory information received by the BOC Intelligence Group regarding a shipment from the United Arab Emirates reportedly containing MAC SS brand cigarettes. The report indicated that the vessel MV EVER CAST, bound for Batangas, was allegedly transporting a container loaded with the said cigarettes.

Acting on the intelligence report, led by the BOC – Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service immediately coordinated with the Port of Batangas and initiated monitoring and verification procedures. Initial checks revealed that the subject container was not reflected in the Bill of Lading, Inward Foreign Manifest, or Discharge List, prompting authorities to request the conduct of Non-Intrusive Examination and further inspection of containers on board the vessel.

After continuous monitoring across several vessel arrivals, the container was eventually confirmed to be on board MV EVER CAST upon its arrival on 14 February 2026. Prior to its discharge, the BOC-Port of Batangas under District Collector Carmelita M. Talusan, CESO V, issued a Pre-Lodgement Control Order (PLCO) to ensure the shipment would undergo strict inspection.

On 05 March 2026, authorities conducted a 100% physical examination of the container. Upon opening the container, officers discovered cigarettes bearing the brand MAC that were not covered by proper importation documents. Further verification also revealed that the consignee is not authorized to import cigarettes, indicating a possible attempt to illegally bring regulated tobacco products into the country.

The operation was conducted with the support of the Enforcement Group, the Enforcement and Security Service, and the CIIS-Batangas.

The importation is being investigated for violations of Section 1400 (Misdeclaration, Misclassification, and Undervaluation in Goods Declaration) and Section 117 (Regulated Importation and Exportation) in relation to Section 1113 (Property Subject to Forfeiture) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno underscored the Bureau’s continued vigilance against illicit trade, emphasizing that intelligence-driven operations remain a key part of the agency’s enforcement efforts.

“Malinaw po na patuloy ang pagbabantay ng BOC sa ating mga pantalan. Sa tulong ng ating intelligence units at ng maayos na koordinasyon sa mga concerned offices, mas napapalakas natin ang ating kakayahan na matukoy at mahadlangan ang mga pagtatangkang magpasok ng smuggled goods sa bansa,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.

“Ang ganitong operasyon ay mahalaga hindi lamang para mapigilan ang iligal na kalakalan, kundi para maprotektahan din ang lehitimong negosyo at matiyak na ang tamang buwis ay napupunta sa pamahalaan para sa kapakinabangan ng sambayanang Pilipino.”

District Collector Talusan affirmed the Port of Batangas’ continued commitment to supporting the Bureau’s enforcement initiatives through strengthened monitoring and coordination with intelligence and enforcement units.

The BOC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening intelligence monitoring and coordination with partner agencies to prevent the entry of smuggled goods and uphold lawful trade across the country’s borders.