Major Cigarette Smuggling Bust in Davao del Sur
In a significant maritime operation, the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) successfully intercepted contraband cigarettes valued at ₱43.5 million in the coastal waters of Barangay Bato, Sta. Maria, Davao del Sur. The interception occurred on November 5, 2025, marking a substantial blow to illicit trade activities in the region.
Details of the Maritime Interdiction
Acting on intelligence reports, NFEM personnel promptly launched a maritime law enforcement and interdiction mission. During their patrol, they identified the suspect vessel, ML Fatima Shakira. The naval team attempted to establish radio communication with the crew, but received no response. This prompted them to initiate a Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operation.
Upon boarding the vessel, authorities made a startling discovery. The boat was loaded with 1,107 boxes of foreign-brand cigarettes. The contraband was traced back to North Sulawesi, Indonesia, and was destined for Barangay Bato, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.
The watercraft was owned by Alsamer M. Jafaar from Lantawan, Basilan, and operated by twelve Filipino crew members. The NFEM confirmed that the act of transporting these smuggled goods violates Republic Act No. 10863, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act of 2016, in relation to Executive Order No. 245, which regulates the importation of tobacco products.
The seized cigarettes and the involved watercraft were subsequently turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition and a thorough investigation.
Broader Crackdown on Illicit Tobacco in Mindanao
This maritime seizure was not an isolated incident. On the same day, in Davao City, a coordinated effort between the Davao City Police Office (DCPO)–Eden Police Station and Task Force Davao (TFD) led to another arrest. A driver was caught in Purok 2, Barangay Lubogan, Toril, Davao City, transporting 54 boxes of Bosqu cigarettes with an estimated value of ₱2.12 million. The vehicle and the seized items are now with the Bureau of Customs, while the driver is detained.
These operations highlight a pervasive issue in the region. According to the 2024 Kantar Open Pack Survey, Mindanao accounts for a staggering 50 percent of the country's illegal tobacco trade. The provinces with the highest illicit cigarette rates include:
- Lanao del Sur (94.2%)
- Maguidanao (73.2%)
- Davao de Oro (69.6%)
- Sarangani (68.2%)
- Davao del Sur (44.7%)
More than 30 smuggling routes have been identified, with supplies primarily originating from Sabah, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Davao City itself currently has an illicit cigarette penetration rate of 54 percent.
Legislative Response and Public Health Concerns
The growing problem has not gone unnoticed by local legislators. Davao City Councilor Rachel Zozobrado expressed serious concern about the proliferation of counterfeit cigarettes in the city on October 7. She emphasized that these illegal sales deprive the government of crucial revenues intended for public health services, such as hospitals and medicines.
Furthermore, she warned that these unregulated products often lack quality control and may contain toxic substances, posing significant health risks to consumers and increasing the danger of disease and premature death.
Councilor Zozobrado has moved to refer the matter to the Committee on Trade and Commerce and the Committee on Health for a first reading. These committees are set to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation to assess the full extent and impact of counterfeit cigarette distribution in Davao City. This may include a potential review of the city's Anti-Smoking Ordinance to strengthen enforcement measures.
In a statement on their Facebook post dated November 6, 2025, the NFEM declared, "This operation underscores NFEM's steadfast commitment to enforcing maritime laws and preventing transnational crimes within our maritime borders." This successful interdiction demonstrates the ongoing efforts of Philippine authorities to combat smuggling and protect the nation's economic and public health interests.
