By Ferdinand Patinio

CONDEMNED. Vape products forfeited at a private facility in Cavite province. The Bureau of Customs said Friday (Jan. 24, 2025) that the condemned products had an estimated value of over PHP34 million. (Photo courtesy of BOC)

MANILA – Close to 160,000 forfeited vape products worth over PHP34 million were recently condemned in Cavite, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported on Friday.

A total of 159,830 pieces of vape products valued at PHP34,112,500 went down the drain at a private facility in the province on Jan. 17 and 20, according to a news release Friday.

“This condemnation underscores our commitment to protect public health and ensure compliance with our laws,” Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said in a statement.

The destruction happened following the issuance of warrants of seizure and detention for violating Republic Act No. 11900 (Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act), as implemented by Department Administrative Order No. 22-16 of the Department of Trade and Industry and Section 1113 (f) in relation to Sections 117 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

The condemnation was carried out in coordination with the Auction and Cargo Disposal Division, Enforcement and Security Service and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service.

Rubio said the BOC will continue ensuring the safety and well-being of the Filipino people against illegal and harmful goods, in compliance with directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to prioritize the protection of public health and national security. (PNA)