MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BoC) at the Port of Subic destroyed imported cigarettes that were abandoned by their suppliers.
The shipment, valued at approximately P430 million, arrived in 40 units of 10-foot shipping containers.
The process took place at the facility of Legacy 88 Recyclable Materials Collection Services facility in Santa Maria, Bulacan.
According to Port of Subic District Collector Geniefelle Lagmay, the operation was carried out following an official declaration of abandonment under Section 1129 (b) of Republic Act 10863, also known at the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the bureau's commitment to integrity and the strict enforcement of rules governing the destruction of contraband.
He noted that these measures were crucial to preventing the unauthorized proliferation or "recycling" of confiscated goods back into the market.
The BoC reiterated that under the law, imported shipments left unclaimed past the deadline automatically undergo destruction to safeguard national tax collections, protect legitimate trade, and uphold public health standards.
To ensure transparency, legal compliance, and environmental protection, the disposal process was jointly witnessed by representatives from several government agencies.
