By Connie Calipay
LEGAZPI CITY – The Philippine Coast Guard in Bicol (PCG-5) confiscated more than PHP15.7 million worth of undocumented cigarettes during a routine inspection at Mobo Port in Barangay Pinamarbuhan, Mobo, Masbate province on Tuesday.
In a phone interview on Wednesday, PCG-Bicol commander Commodore Ivan Roldan said some 630 boxes of cigarettes believed to be smuggled and untaxed were seized in a cargo compartment of a truck, with several boxes concealed behind garments covered with plastic.
“The operation was in connection with the implementation of Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa and Summer Vacation 2026, wherein Coast Guard personnel intensified the inspection of outbound rolling cargoes through K9 paneling and visual inspection before vessel embarkation,” he said.
Authorities apprehended the vehicle’s remaining occupant. When asked to present importation papers, receipts, or proof of tax payment of the assorted cigarette brands, the suspect failed to produce any legal documentation.
Confiscated were 80 boxes of Titanium Red cigarettes; 92 boxes of Titanium Blue cigarettes; 72 boxes of Titanium Green cigarettes; 15 boxes of Two Moon cigarettes; 371 boxes of Mighty Green cigarettes; and a Sinotruck 10-wheeler white wing van with plate number GBD 2959, which was preparing to board a vessel bound for Pio Duran, Albay.
Roldan said the incident underscores the Philippine Coast Guard’s continued vigilance in securing the country’s ports and preventing the transport of illegal and undocumented goods, especially during periods of increased passenger and cargo movement. (PNA)
