The police destroyed approximately ₱38.78 million worth of suspected illicit and untaxed cigarettes at the Bacolod City Sanitary Landfill in Barangay Felisa on Wednesday afternoon, November 11.
The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) led by Pcol. Eugene N. Rebadomia partnered with concerned government agencies to perform the joint inspection and proper disposal of around 377 boxes of contraband.
According to consolidated investigation reports, the recovered and voluntarily surrendered products were valued at exactly ₱38,781,500.00. The items were seized during operations conducted by BCPO Police Stations 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 targeting the illegal transportation, possession, delivery, and distribution of counterfeit cigarettes in the city, the BCPO report said.
Verification conducted with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) confirmed that the examined cigarette products lacked the mandatory Graphic Health Warnings (GHWs) and internal revenue tax stamps.
Police said the joint operation ensured documentation and destruction in strict compliance with existing laws, specifically BIR Revenue Regulations No. 14-2024 and Revenue Memorandum Order No. 33-2024.
Rebadomia said the initiative reinforces the BCPO’s commitment to curbing illicit trade, protecting tax-compliant businesses, and safeguarding consumers from products failing to meet health and regulatory standards.*
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