Customs top policeman oversees destruction of smuggled cigarettes in Zamboanga

On Apr 14, 2026

Bureau of Customs Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement retired police general Nolasco Bathan, delivering his message to the officials and personnel of the Port of Zamboanga during his visit to witness the destruction of more than ₱266 million of confiscated smuggled cigarettes (photo: BOC-PIAD).

BUREAU of Customs (BOC) Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement Group Nolasco Bathan, a retired police general, attended the destruction of smuggled cigarettes at the Port of Zamboanga valued at more than ₱266 million to show the agency’s resolve in combatting smuggling and economic sabotage.

In a statement on April 9, the BOC said the event was conducted at Virgo 8 Tech and Waste Management Services, OPC, Barangay Manicahan, Zamboanga City, with representatives from key government agencies and stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability.

District Collector Collector Elenita A. Abaño said a total of 5,069 master cases, 2,620 reams, and 32 packs of assorted cigarettes were destroyed during the activity.

Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement Nolasco Bathan (center) joined Zamboanga District Collector Elenita A. Abaño (to his right) and other stakeholders prior to the destruction of smuggled cigarettes seized by the Port of Zamboanga prior to their destruction (photo: BOC-PIAD).

These goods were seized through the series of law enforcement operations carried out by the Port for violations of RA 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act) in relation to RA 12022, also known as the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.

DCE Bathan, reading from the message of Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, said the activity is not merely the destruction of illegal goods but a decisive act of governance.

He stressed that smuggling erodes government revenue, undermines fair competition, and exposes consumers to unregulated products.

The Customs chief said that goods entering the country outside the bounds of law have no place in the Philippine market and assured the public of the agency’ sustained vigilance from the enforcement of customs laws to the final disposition of confiscated contrabands.

In her remarks, Abaño also acknowledged the vital role of the Philippine Navy and other partner enforcement agencies in the success of their anti-smuggling campaign.