The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), through Revenue Region No. 3 – Cagayan Valley, seized approximately 101,000 packs of suspected illicit cigarettes during an enforcement operation conducted recently at TD Hotel in Cauayan City, Isabela.
The confiscated cigarettes have an estimated floor price of P9,016,512.40.
The operation was carried out under the leadership of OIC-Regional Director Lorna Binarao and OIC-Assistant Regional Director Reymarie De la Cruz. It was personally led by Revenue District Officer Robertson Gazzingan of Revenue District Office No. 15 – Isabela, together with Chief of Assessment Section Sheila Povan, Legal Division lawyers, Regional Investigation Division personnel, and other BIR officials and employees.
The enforcement activity was conducted in close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), led by Police Colonel Rodrigo Soriano, Regional Chief of CIDG Regional Field Unit 2, and Police Colonel Jerry Castillo, OIC and Chief of Police of the Cauayan Component City Police Station.
Cauayan City Mayor Caesar Dy Jr. also joined the operation in support of the government’s campaign against illicit trade.
The seized cigarettes are estimated to have resulted in P81,178,702.93 and P1,534,663.59 total estimated tax liability for Excise Tax and Value Added Tax, respectively, highlighting the substantial revenue losses caused by the illicit tobacco trade.
BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza commended the enforcement team for its successful operation and reiterated the Bureau’s firm commitment to protecting government revenues through intensified enforcement efforts.
“We remain resolute in safeguarding government revenues and ensuring that businesses operate on a level playing field.”
“The BIR will continue to strengthen its campaign against illicit tobacco products and other forms of tax evasion. We remain resolute in safeguarding government revenues and ensuring that businesses operate on a level playing field,” Mendoza said.
“The success of this operation reflects the strong collaboration between the BIR, law enforcement agencies, and local government units,” the BIR chief explained.
“We will continue to hold violators accountable and protect the interests of law-abiding taxpayers.”
“Through sustained inter-agency cooperation and strict implementation of the National Internal Revenue Code, we will continue to hold violators accountable and protect the interests of law-abiding taxpayers,” he added.
Through intensified enforcement and strong partnerships, the Bureau continues to uphold tax compliance and secure revenues that fund essential public services.
