Manila: Joint operatives from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) seized 17 master cases of illicit cigarettes during a law enforcement operation in Purok 1, Barangay Poblacion, Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental. The confiscated items were initially placed under police custody before being transferred to the BIR for proper inspection and tax assessment.

According to Philippines News Agency, Revenue Region 19 officer-in-charge Regional Director Narciso Laguerta and OIC Assistant Regional Director Aileen Punzalan issued a mission order prompting revenue officers from RDO 114-Davao Oriental to conduct immediate inventory and verification procedures. OIC Revenue District officer Ellen Tampus and Assistant Revenue District officer Irene Balleque headed the procedures.

The operation is part of an intensified nationwide campaign against the illegal trade and transport of untaxed tobacco products, the BIR said. Violations of Section 236 of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1997, as amended; Section 8 of Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 3-2006 regarding brand registration; RR No. 7-2014 on the affixture of internal revenue stamps; and excise tax non-compliance under Section 145 of the NIRC were made.

The estimated excise tax liabilities from the seized contraband amount to PHP6,575,831. The BIR said illicit tobacco products harm lawful businesses, disadvantage consumers, and deprive the government of revenues. Authorities are preparing legal and administrative charges against the individuals responsible for possessing and transporting the illegal products.