By Nef Luczon
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) destroyed PHP156.25 million worth of illicit cigarettes in Northern Mindanao as part of its nationwide crackdown on tax evasion, officials said Thursday.
BIR Revenue Region 16 Officer in Charge Raihana Menelifa Lucman said the two-day destruction of the illicit goods that began Wednesday underscores the agency’s commitment to enforcing tax laws.
“This enforcement activity sends a clear message: the BIR will not hesitate to take decisive action against those who violate tax laws,” Lucman said.
The campaign, a priority under BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr., targets illicit cigarettes, vapes, and other excisable articles that evade proper tax payments, impacting the agency’s revenue collection targets.
Lucman said the destroyed contraband consisted of illicit goods confiscated from January to early March, with the assistance of the Police Regional Office 10 (Northern Mindanao). (PNA)
