In line with its sustained nationwide campaign against illegal trade and economic sabotage, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its operations to dismantle criminal enterprises that threaten public health, government revenues, and national security. This strong commitment was underscored by a major law enforcement operation that dealt a significant blow to the country’s illegal tobacco industry in Pampanga.
On January 29, 2026, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), in close coordination with the Bureau of Customs and the Philippine Coast Guard, conducted a successful raid on a large-scale illegal cigarette manufacturing facility located in Barangay Panipuan, Mexico, Pampanga. The operation led to the seizure of machinery, raw materials, counterfeit tax stamps, and illegally manufactured cigarettes valued at approximately Php400 Million.
The operation was carried out after the CIDG received intelligence reports confirming the presence of an unauthorized cigarette manufacturing operation inside a warehouse compound. Upon inspection, authorities found that the facility was operating without valid permits or authority and was producing counterfeit and unregistered cigarette brands. Operatives also discovered manufacturing materials bearing labels of several popular cigarette brands, indicating a well-organized and sophisticated counterfeiting operation intended for local distribution.
During the operation, authorities confiscated three cigarette-making machines, two cigarette packaging machines, large quantities of raw materials, counterfeit tax stamps, and large volumes of illegally manufactured cigarettes. Six foreign nationals, all Chinese men identified as key operators of the facility, were arrested on site.
In addition to the arrests, authorities rescued 65 Filipino workers, composed of 54 males and 11 females, who were found inside the compound. Subsequent investigations revealed that the workers were subjected to inhumane working conditions and forced labor, constituting a clear violation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (Republic Act No. 9208, as amended by RA 10364).
On January 30, 2026, the six foreign suspects were brought before the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice in Manila for inquest proceedings. Charges related to illegal manufacturing, trafficking in persons, and other violations of special laws are being pursued as of this writing.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. stressed that the investigation will go beyond the arrest of on-site operators. He emphasized that the company’s incorporators, both Filipino and foreign nationals, as well as the owners of the property where the illegal factory was located, are now under investigation for possible criminal liability. Authorities are also probing the wider syndicate behind the operation, including alleged political protectors operating in Northern Luzon.
“This is a strong warning: no one is above the law, whether Filipino or foreign. We will continue to dismantle every illegal operation that steals from the people and endangers public health,” said PGen Nartatez.
He added that the operation forms part of a larger sustained campaign against illegal tobacco nationwide, stating: “Tuloy-tuloy ang aming operasyon, mula sa manufacturing, transport, hanggang sa distribution. Hindi kami titigil hanggang matigil ang mga ganitong aktibidad.”
PNP reminded the public that the selling, distribution, and possession of illegal cigarettes are non-bailable offenses under the Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act, and that retail establishments found dealing in illicit tobacco products may face criminal prosecution and other sanctions.
As it sustains and intensifies operations against illegal tobacco activities, PNP reaffirms its commitment to protecting public funds, safeguarding public health, and defending the livelihood of every Filipino, fully aligned with the vision of Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.
