Authorities Dispose of Seized Tobacco Products
BACOLOD - More than 377 boxes of smuggled cigarettes worth PHP38,781,500 were destroyed on November 11 at the Sanitary Landfill in Barangay Felisa. The disposal was carried out by the Bacolod City Government in coordination with the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO). The cigarettes came from police operations and voluntary turnovers handled by Police Stations 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, reflecting the continued efforts of authorities to address the circulation of illegal tobacco products.
Inspection and Documentation Ensure Proper Disposal
Before destruction, the confiscated cigarettes underwent inspection and documentation. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) confirmed that the products had neither the required health warnings nor tax stamps. The boxes were then shredded to make sure the cigarettes could no longer be recovered for sale or distribution. This process helped ensure that the seized goods were properly accounted for and permanently removed from commercial circulation.
Coordinated Enforcement Protects Local Markets
The operation was conducted under the leadership of BCPO Director Col. Eugene Rebadomia, with the participation of the Commission on Audit (COA), BIR, Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). Through coordination among these agencies, the city strengthened its response to smuggling and the sale of noncompliant tobacco products. The effort supports the protection of consumers, promotes compliance with regulations, and helps prevent illegal goods from entering Bacolod's legitimate markets.
