The Bureau of Customs vowed to eradicate the illicit cigarette traders in the country, leaving no room for their unlawful activities and ensuring they are held accountable and face the full weight of the law.

In a statement on Friday, July 28, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, said the bureau, in collaboration with the tobacco industry stakeholders, would develop strategies to further improve their fight against illicit cigarette trade.

“Illegal traders who attempt to gamble with our laws will always find our Customs agents one step ahead of them,” Rubio said.

“That has always been our goal and our mandate—to put these smugglers away and make them accountable, answerable and ultimately face the consequences of their nefarious activities,” he added.

Recently, Rubio, along with Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service Director Verne Enciso and Intellectual Property Rights Division Chief Paul Oliver Pacunayen, held discussions with executives from Philip Morris International (PMI) and Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corp. (PMFTC).

The primary focus of the meeting was to address the escalating issue of illicit tobacco products flooding the market.

Rubio emphasized the importance of identifying gaps in existing strategies and the need for close collaboration with tobacco companies to effectively combat the deceptive methods employed by these groups.

Enciso reiterated the severity of these threats, emphasizing the need to recognize them as well-coordinated plans aimed at bypassing laws, and stressed the implementation of robust mechanisms to fortify border security and suppress the illicit tobacco trade.

During the meeting, the Customs also received commendation for its recent operation in Indanan, Sulu, where 19,000 cases of smuggled cigarettes—with an estimated market value of P1.425 billion—were seized.

Rubio also reiterated the bureau's commitment in safeguarding the nation's borders and upholding its core mandates.

Under his leadership, Customs remains steadfast in preventing the entry of illicit tobacco products into the country, safeguarding public health, and protecting legitimate businesses.

Customs, 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.