In a significant move against illegal trade, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has recently made a substantial seizure of illicit cigarettes in the Davao region. This operation is part of the bureau’s ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal traders and smugglers.
BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. announced the successful confiscation of 717 master cases, which translates to 358,500 packs of illegal cigarettes. This haul has a staggering estimated tax liability of P252 million. The operation, conducted on November 6, was a joint effort between the BIR and the Naval Forces of the Eastern Mindanao Command.
Commissioner Lumagui emphasized the bureau’s commitment to combating the illegal tobacco trade across the Philippines. He assured that the BIR would persist in its efforts to safeguard compliant taxpayers and prosecute those involved in illicit trade, hinting at more enforcement operations in the future.
The operation revealed that brands like Canon, GreenHill, and Bros were being smuggled into the country, bypassing the required excise tax payments. This act is a direct violation of Section 130 of the National Internal Revenue Code, Republic Act 11900, and various Revenue Regulations.
In a related enforcement action on November 8, the BIR, in collaboration with the Davao City Police Office PS6 and Task Force Davao, conducted another successful operation. This time, during a random checkpoint in Bunawan, Davao City, they seized 51 master cases, equivalent to 25,500 packs, of New Orleans smuggled cigarettes. The tax liability for this seizure is estimated at approximately P17.9 million.
The BIR’s recent actions reflect its unwavering dedication to curbing the illegal cigarette market and ensuring compliance with tax regulations, thereby contributing positively to the nation’s economy.