BUREAU OF Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno has ordered tighter guarding of smuggled cigarettes pending in the country’s various collection districts amidst rumors that shady figures are conspiring to pilfer, steal, or replace them in order to rake in possibly billions of pesos for themselves and their co-conspirators in other agencies of the government.
In a memorandum dated 3 August 2026, Commissioner Nepomuceno directed all District Commanders of the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) and Chiefs of the Auction and Cargo Disposal Division (ACDD) to immediately intensify monitoring and security protocols, maintain strict control over storage facilities, regulate and document access to confiscated goods, and promptly report any suspicious activity, attempted breach, loss, or inventory discrepancy to the Office of the Commissioner.
The Commissioner emphasized that no confiscated illicit cigarettes shall be transferred, relocated, or otherwise disposed of without his prior written approval.
Nepomuceno likewise reiterated the BOC’s ‘One-Strike Policy’ under OCOM Memorandum No. 87-2026, warning that any official or employee found to have participated in, facilitated, tolerated, or enabled the theft or unauthorized removal of confiscated cigarettes shall be immediately relieved from service and face appropriate administrative, civil, and criminal proceedings.
“Ang anumang pagtatangka na pakialaman, ilihis, o ikompromiso ang mga nakumpiskang iligal na sigarilyo ay hindi natin palalampasin. Sino mang opisyal o kawani na mapatutunayang sangkot o nagpabaya sa kanilang tungkulin ay mananagot sa ilalim ng ating One-Strike Policy at haharap sa kaukulang administratibo, sibil, at kriminal na mga kaso” – Commissioner Nepomuceno.
Officials of those found involved shall also be punished based on the principle of ‘command responsibility,’ Commissioner Nepomuceno added.
“Ang anumang pagtatangka na pakialaman, ilihis, o ikompromiso ang mga nakumpiskang iligal na sigarilyo ay hindi natin palalampasin.
“Sino mang opisyal o kawani na mapatutunayang sangkot o nagpabaya sa kanilang tungkulin ay mananagot sa ilalim ng ating One-Strike Policy at haharap sa kaukulang administratibo, sibil, at kriminal na mga kaso,” he warned.
While official figure is yet to be released by the BOC on the total assessed value of the confiscated cigarettes thus far, the amount can easily reach more than ₱25 billion, an amount that gives syndicates sleepless nights thinking on how they can get their hands on the merchandize.
“Ang bawat nakumpiskang iligal na sigarilyo ay bunga ng masusing operasyon ng Bureau of Customs laban sa smuggling at nagsisilbing mahalagang ebidensya ng ating patuloy na kampanya upang maprotektahan ang kita ng pamahalaan at ang publiko,” Commissioner Nepomuceno reminded everyone.
“Hindi natin pahihintulutan ang anumang pagtatangka na nakawin, ilihis, o ilagay sa panganib ang mga ito habang nasa kustodiya ng pamahalaan,” he emphasized.
Informed sources said some “personalities” who claimed “closeness” to the Customs Chief had already tried to “intervene” to have some of the shipments released but went home emptyhanded.
The sources said these repeated “call a friend” approach only alarmed Commissioner Nepomuceno, leading him to issue the current directive.
To further strengthen security measures, the Commissioner also directed the Internal Administration Group, in coordination with the Enforcement Group, Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group, and Intelligence Group, to submit within five days recommendations on additional personnel, equipment, facilities, logistics, monitoring systems, and other support necessary to safeguard confiscated illicit cigarettes in all ports.
The BOC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting seized goods under government custody and ensuring that all officials and personnel remain fully accountable in line with its continuing campaign against smuggling, corruption, and all forms of unlawful activity.