Manila: The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue Region No. 11 and Revenue District Office No. 75, along with the Philippine National Police (PNP), seized 30,598 packs of suspected illicit cigarettes in Estancia, Iloilo. The confiscated goods have an estimated tax liability of PHP25.07 million.
According to Philippines News Agency, the operation was conducted on June 25 based on a mission order issued by Regional Director Philip Mayo and a search warrant from the Regional Trial Court. Led by Revenue District Officer Crister Marie Vallejo, authorities executed the search at two residential properties owned by Jelyn Brodeth Sotaridona in Poblacion I and Lumbia, Estancia, Iloilo.
Authorities confiscated 57 master cases, 180 reams, and 298 packs of cigarettes believed to be intended for distribution without proper excise tax payments. BIR personnel conducted examinations and inventory while PNP secured the area and arrested individuals in possession of the contraband. The confiscated items were documented and presented in court, then turned over to the BIR pending further tax enforcement proceedings.
In another operation at TD Hotel in Cauayan City, Isabela on June 25, BIR Revenue Region No. 03-Cagayan Valley and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit 2 seized approximately 101,000 packs of suspected illicit cigarettes. These cigarettes have an estimated floor price of PHP9.01 million.
The operations revealed an estimated total liability of PHP81.2 million in excise tax and PHP1.5 million in value-added tax from the seized cigarettes. BIR Commissioner Charlito Mendoza emphasized the critical impact of illicit cigarette sales on public revenue, highlighting the agency's commitment to enforcing tax laws under the DARES agenda. DARES stands for Digital and Data Transformation, Audit Reform and Accountability, Revenue Collection and Base Protection, Employee Empowerment and Welfare Promotion, Service Excellence, and Stakeholder Engagement.
Mendoza also pointed out the effective collaboration between BIR, PNP, and other law enforcement agencies, which is essential in protecting legitimate businesses and maintaining tax system integrity. BIR is preparing criminal complaints under the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 and other relevant laws against those responsible for the illegal possession of the cigarettes.
BIR remains committed to combating illicit tobacco products and tax evasion, aiming to safeguard government revenues and ensure fairness for compliant taxpayers.
