Gothong Southern breaks silence on P13-B cigarette smuggling controversy

Local

SHIPPING firm Gothong Southern has denied being the subject of any investigation into the alleged illegal transportation of foreign cigarettes, saying it remains committed to lawful trade and the integrity of cargo entrusted to the family-owned shipping line.

In a statement issued amid reports linking the Gothong family to the controversy, Gothong Southern clarified that it was not currently under investigation in connection with the alleged violation of customs regulations involving the transportation of foreign cigarettes.

“We respect due process and the authorities' role in establishing the facts,” the company said.

The shipping line also emphasized that its role as a common carrier comes with responsibilities to ensure transparent, fair and responsible trade practices across the supply chain.

“Our purpose is to move the economy forward through honest and lawful trade,” it said.

The statement comes as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed complaints before the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Nov. 9 against 13 individuals, including members of the Cebu-based Gothong family, over the alleged smuggling of 59 container vans of cigarettes estimated to be worth ₱13 billion.

The complaints, according to media reports, include alleged violations of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.

The case stems from the seizure of the cigarette shipments at a private port in Cebu.

The NBI said the complaints were part of an effort to establish accountability beyond truck drivers and cargo handlers, extending the investigation to port operators and registered shippers.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the seized cigarettes were allegedly brought into the country from China aboard smaller vessels before being transferred to a private port in Cebu. The shipments were subsequently transported to other ports, including Manila's North Harbor, for distribution nationwide.

The 59 container vans were seized in June. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) estimated their value at ₱13 billion, with authorities looking into possible losses in government tax collections arising from the alleged smuggling operation.

Matibag said investigators were also examining how the shipments managed to pass through the country's ports and whether government personnel had facilitated the operation.

He stressed that the investigation was intended to hold those who may have enabled the alleged smuggling accountable, rather than limiting cases to personnel directly handling the cargo.

In the meantime, Gothong Southern reiterated its

commitment to strengthening its internal processes and working with its employees, shippers and business partners to protect the integrity of cargo entrusted to the company.

The shipping line said it would continue to uphold honesty, accountability and integrity in its operations.

It did not elaborate on the specific allegations involving members of the Gothong family or discuss the NBI complaints in detail.

The company also did not identify which individuals or affiliated entities it was referring to when it said it was not under investigation.

The NBI complaints are now before the DOJ, where prosecutors will evaluate the evidence and determine whether there is sufficient basis to proceed with a

preliminary investigation.(RBE)