CitizenWatch Philippines has urged authorities to intensify anti-smuggling operations across Mindanao, warning that the region’s seas and ports have become hotbeds for illicit trade—with Davao City now emerging as a key transit and distribution point for smuggled tobacco, cigarettes and vape products.
“Smuggling in Mindanao is rampant, and it must be stopped. The culprits must be caught, charged, and jailed,” said CitizenWatch convenor Orlando Oxales.
Oxales echoes the recent warning of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian during a Senate hearing on the government’s anti-smuggling performance. At the hearing, Gatchalian highlighted the alarming lack of convictions despite the large number of cases filed by enforcement agencies.
“Out of the thousands of seizures, the BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) filed 194 cases, but only one conviction. And the BOC (Bureau of Customs) filed 64 cases, with only two convictions. So, three convictions for both agencies. Kaya walang natatakot eh,” Gatchalian said.
“Even if a shipment is caught, as long as the perpetrator does not go to jail, the illegal operations continue,” he added.
Recent reports from the BOC and the Armed Forces of the Philippines confirm that Mindanao has become a frontline in the government’s fight against illicit trade.
From January to August 2025, the BOC recorded ₱34.73 billion worth of smuggled goods seized in 653 operations, including ₱2.1 billion worth of illicit tobacco, cigarettes and vape products—one of the highest categories of contraband nationwide.
Just this month, the Western Mindanao Naval Command intercepted ₱23 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested five individuals off Pandukan Island, Sulu.
The seizure of 400 master cases of assorted foreign-brand cigarettes was made during a maritime patrol of BRP Herminigildo Yurong.
The day before, the same vessel seized ₱2.7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes off Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan, bringing to light the scale and persistence of cigarette smuggling routes in Western Mindanao waters.
Meanwhile, in Davao City, the BOC–Port of Davao and Task Force Toril recently intercepted a fake courier truck carrying 251 master cases of smuggled cigarettes worth ₱9.86 million. The truck was stopped at a checkpoint en route to the city, with the goods concealed among crates and personal effects to evade detection.
“This successful operation shows that smuggling is not just happening at sea—it’s already reaching our highways and markets,” Oxales warned. “Davao’s strategic position makes it a prime target for distribution, and that’s why stronger coordination among the BOC, Navy, PNP (Philippine National Police), and DOJ (Department of Justice) is essential.”
Authorities in Davao City, including the Vice Regulation Unit and City Treasurer’s Office, have repeatedly conducted raids in public markets like Bankerohan and Agdao, confiscating untaxed cigarette products. Yet, local officials admit the supply keeps replenishing—an indicator of the deep reach of smuggling networks.
“Every illegal cigarette sold is stolen revenue and stolen health,” Oxales said. “It’s a threat not just to government funds but to public health and fair competition. Davao deserves to be free from smuggling and corruption.”
CitizenWatch said the government must treat Davao as a frontline battleground in the anti-smuggling campaign, especially with the local economy and public health at stake.
“If we can clean up Davao, we can disrupt the smuggling networks that feed the rest of Mindanao,” Oxales said. “This next phase must not just stop the supply—it must bring the real smugglers to justice.”
