CEBU CITY – Seized and forfeited cigarettes, cigarette-manufacturing machines, and other related items linked to around P240.64 million in unpaid taxes were destroyed in a warehouse in Mandaue City on Thursday, Aug. 13.

Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go led the destruction of the items through shredding.

The illicit cigarettes were seized in various enforcement operations conducted by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue Region No. 13 from October 2024 to June 2025.

Targeting illegal cigarette manufacturing, storage and distribution activities in Cebu, the operations led to the confiscation of counterfeit Internal Revenue stamps, manufacturing machines, cigarette raw materials, packaging materials, chemicals and other production supplies.

According to the BIR, the aggregate tax liabilities arising from the unlawful manufacture, possession, storage and distribution of the seized illicit cigarettes reached P240,641,547.71, including administrative penalties.

Go said efforts to curb the illegal tobacco trade have been intensified as the government continues to lose revenues when traders misdeclare or fail to declare products that are subject to excise taxes.

“It’s not easy,” Go said, referring to efforts against illegal distribution and manufacturing of tobacco products.

Go said tobacco, liquor, and fuel are among the products prone to misdeclaration or non-declaration because of their accompanying excise taxes.

Go said the destruction highlighted the continuing coordination between the BIR and the Bureau of Customs in going after manufacturers and distributors of illicit tobacco products.

From June to July this year, the two agencies confiscated a combined P1.7 billion worth of illicit tobacco products, said Go.

Go commended both agencies for their continued efforts to detect, seize, and dismantle illicit trade operations.

“We will continue to strengthen enforcement and hold those who engage in illegal activities accountable,” Go said.