By Nanette Guadalquiver
BACOLOD CITY – Operations led by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) dismantled a massive illegal cigarette manufacturing and distribution network in Negros Occidental, netting almost PHP800 million in raw materials and other supplies across two cities earlier this week.
In a press briefing in Bago City Friday afternoon, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said such illicit trade “deprives the government of billions in excise tax revenues that should otherwise fund public healthcare and essential social services.”
“Sa Luzon naitigil na namin. The next is, sa Visayas na kami magco-concentrate (We were able to stop operations in Luzon. We will concentrate in Visayas next),” he added.
A report released by the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region Friday night showed that on April 21, operatives swooped down a warehouse facility in Barangay Calumangan, Bago City, where they confiscated cigarette manufacturing and packing machines, assorted cigarette products, packaging materials, and raw tobacco valued at PHP262.55 million.
Ten Chinese nationals believed to be involved in the illegal operation were also arrested.
They were identified as Fugong Jiang, 41; Wu JianQun, 61; Xu Ke, 52; Li Hong, 56; Ye Jun, 48; A Yac, 58; Tan Jing, 60; Wu Shaobin, 38; Eron Chen, 39; and Pan Zongxing, 59.
Later that day, the operation moved to another warehouse on Vista Street, Barangay Singcang-Airport in this city.
Items seized included tobacco raw materials, large volume of cigarette pack labels, menthol liquid, and additional packaging supplies worth PHP536.59 million.
Initial investigation showed the illegal manufacturing operation here began in the third quarter of 2025 and operated and supervised by foreign nationals.
“Finished cigarette products were being distributed across Southern Luzon, Central Visayas, Western Visayas, and the National Capital Region, indicating a wide-reaching and organized illicit trade network,” the investigation report said.
Representatives from the National Tobacco Administration witnessed the inventory, marking, and documentation of all seized items.
In Bago City, Filipino workers were allegedly recruited and promised a daily wage of PHP500, however, some workers were reportedly not paid as agreed, the investigation report said.
They were also restricted from leaving the premises, prompting authorities to examine possible elements of forced labor and human trafficking, it added.
Criminal complaints are being prepared for filing against those behind the illegal operations for violation of Presidential Decree 1481 (Regulation of Trading Virginia Leaf Tobacco), violation of Republic Act (RA) 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003) as amended, and violation of RA 12022 (Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act).
Data of the DILG showed that between December 2025 and April 2026, authorities have seized close to PHP4 billion worth of illegal cigarettes nationwide, with major operations conducted in the Negros Island Region, Bulacan, Pampanga, Metro Manila, and Cebu. (PNA)
