BOC imposes one-strike policy vs recycling seized cigarettes

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August 7, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines —  Bureau of Customs officials and personnel caught stealing confiscated cigarettes will be dealt with under the BOC’s one-strike policy.

Erring personnel will be relieved from service and face administrative, civil and criminal proceedings, BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said.

Seized cigarettes cannot be transferred, relocated or disposed of without his prior written approval.

Nepomuceno received reports of attempts to steal seized goods in the BOC’s custody.

He directed the Internal Administration Group to submit recommendations to safeguard confiscated illicit cigarettes in all ports.

“Every confiscated cigarette… is part of the evidence in our continuing campaign to protect the government’s revenue and the public. We will not allow anyone to steal these items while these are in the government’s custody,” Nepomuceno said. –  Aubrey Rose Inosante