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The National Bureau of Investigation filed agricultural economic sabotage charges against 13 individuals, including members of the prominent Gothong family in Cebu, over an estimated P13 billion worth of smuggled cigarettes
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The 59 containers of the contraband allegedly passed through the Gothong Wharf in Mandaue City, Cebu
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Gothong Southern Shipping Lines, Inc. denied knowledge of being part of any government investigation and asserted its commitment to transparent, fair and responsible trade practices
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed agricultural economic sabotage charges against 13 individuals, including members of the prominent Gothong family in Cebu, over an estimated P13-billion worth of smuggled cigarettes that were seized earlier this year.
NBI director Melvin Matibag led the filing of the criminal complaint before the Department of Justice on November 9, which involves violations against Republic Act No. 12022, the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, that was passed in September 2024.
Matibag, in an interview before the filing streamed by the media, named several members of the Gothong family, which owns the wharf where 59 containers of illegal cigarettes were discovered in June and July. Initial reports put the estimated value of the contraband at only P3 billion, but Matibag said this has gone up to P13 billion based on the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s assessment.
READ: NBI, BOC vow intensified anti-smuggling crackdown after P3B cigarette seizures
Gothong Shipping denies involvement
Gothong Southern Shipping Lines, Inc., one of the country’s biggest sea freight companies, denied knowledge of being part of any government investigation.
“In light of recent reports concerning the transportation of foreign cigarettes in alleged violation of customs regulations, Gothong Southern wishes to clarify that it is not currently the subject of any investigation in connection with this matter,” the company said in a statement on November 10.
“We respect due process and the authorities’ role in establishing the facts,” Gothong Southern said.
“Our purpose is to move the economy forward through honest and lawful trade. As a common carrier, we take our responsibilities seriously and reaffirm our commitment to transparent, fair and responsible trade practices across the supply chain,” the company added.
Matibag, on the other hand, said that “whether they know it or not, it passed there (Gothong Wharf). But it is very unlikely that 59 containers would be passing there illegally… and then nothing?”
The Bureau of Customs and law enforcement agencies, including the NBI, undertook several operations in June and July that led to the discovery and confiscation of the contraband.
Matibag said the smuggled cigarettes with European brand marks came from mainland China and Taiwan. These were first shipped out in large vessels then distributed to smaller domestic boats for easier deployment across the Philippines.
Matibag said the filing of charges demonstrates the government’s resolve against smuggling, particularly the big players behind the illegal operations, which affect government revenues and impact legitimate businesses.
“This time we are going after the big fishes,” he said. “It signals that the government is serious in its fight against agricultural smuggling.”
