The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) raided a large-scale illicit cigarette factory and warehouse in Cebu, uncovering an estimated P107 million pesos in tax liability.
The raid, conducted on Oct. 3 and 5, 2024, resulted in the confiscation of 32,545 fake internal revenue stamps, 44,310 packs of cigarettes, 13 cigarette-making machines, and various materials used in cigarette production.
According to BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr., the operators of the factory and warehouse violated several sections of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), including possession of counterfeit internal revenue stamps, unlawful possession or removal of articles subject to excise tax, and failure to file returns.
“We will not stop raiding all illicit trade activities, wherever they may be located,” Lumagui said in a statement. “We will protect the legitimate agricultural sector and the thousands of jobs it produces for our Filipino farmers.”
The BIR estimated the tax liability of the seized items at P107,756,900.45 pesos.
The raid is part of the BIR’s efforts to crack down on illicit trade activities and protect the country’s revenue.
