BIR destroys PHP156M illicit cigarettes in Northern Mindanao

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) destroyed PHP156.25 million worth of illicit cigarettes in Northern Mindanao as part of its nationwide effort to combat tax evasion.

Raihana Menelifa Lucman, Officer in Charge of BIR Revenue Region 16, emphasized the agency's commitment to enforcing tax laws during a two-day event that began on Wednesday.

The latest destruction includes contraband confiscated from January to early March with support from the Police Regional Office-10 led by Brig. Gen. Jaysen C. de Guzman.

Additionally, police recovered smuggled cigarettes worth more than PHP6.8 million in Barangay Piraka, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte on Wednesday, March 19.

The BIR also recognized the efforts of PRO-10 officers and personnel during a visit by PNP chief Police Gen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil to Camp 1st Lt. Vicente G. Alagar in Cagayan de Oro City on Friday, March 21.