Peza Ready to Assist Malaysia in Validating Tax Stamps on Seized Cigarettes
In a significant development following a major raid in Lapu-Lapu City, a senior official from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) has announced the agency's readiness to cooperate with the Malaysian government to verify the authenticity of tax stamps found on confiscated cigarettes. This move comes as ongoing investigations seek to clarify whether the products were exclusively intended for export, raising critical questions about compliance and legality.
Coordination Efforts and Export Claims
During an interview on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Peza Director General Tereso Panga detailed the agency's active involvement in the case. He emphasized that Peza has been working closely with law enforcement, including participating in a joint inspection with the Philippine National Police. Panga explained that the company implicated in the raid has been operating within the economic zone since 2019 and asserts that its activities are limited to exports to Malaysia, with no local sales involved.
Panga stated, "If there's anything illegal about it, the Malaysian government should help validate that claim since these products are bound for export." He further noted that representatives from the Malaysian Embassy have already visited the facility to assist in determining the legitimacy of the tax stamps, which are reportedly supplied by Malaysian clients and believed to be issued by the Malaysian government.
Details of the Raid and Ongoing Verification
The controversy stems from a raid conducted by the Police Regional Office 7 on Friday, April 10, at a warehouse in Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City. Authorities seized an estimated P1.1 billion worth of suspected counterfeit cigarettes, along with cigarette-making machines and raw materials. During the operation, police discovered thousands of boxes of cigarettes that allegedly bore falsified tax stamps, leading to the arrest of four Chinese nationals suspected of operating the illegal manufacturing facility. They remain in police custody as charges are prepared.
Panga added that while some equipment was confiscated during the raid, the cigarette stocks are still held at the facility. He stressed that allegations of illegal activity are currently under verification, and Peza is committed to ensuring transparency and adherence to regulations. The agency's proactive stance aims to resolve uncertainties surrounding the export status of the products and the authenticity of the tax documentation involved.
