Jonvic Remulla tags 2 Central Luzon solons as persons of interest in illegal cigarette crackdown

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday said authorities are zeroing in on two Central Luzon congressmen as persons of interest following the shutdown of four illegal cigarette manufacturing plants in the region.

Remulla declined to name the lawmakers but revealed that one had sought an appointment with him.

“May isang (Central Luzon) congressman na nagpapa-appointment na sa akin,” he said, adding that he refused to meet because the matter remains under investigation.

“Under investigation pa, they are persons of interest. Iniimbestigahan pa namin sino talaga ang nagpoprotekta.”

Remulla was referring to four illegal cigarette plants that were recently busted and shut down. On Monday, he, Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and Philippine National Police chief P/Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez inspected one of the facilities — the Chamian Commercial Warehouse in San Fernando, Pampanga — along with members of the media.

“Tinitingnan namin kasi masyadong coincidence eh. Nung nahuli sila noong 29, San Simon nagsara at saka may isa pa sa Mexico nagsara, sabay-sabay iisa lang. So it’s too much of a coincidence na nagsara sila ng sabay-sabay, di ba? So tinitingnan namin ngayon kung sino ang overall mastermind nito,” Remulla said.

He added that six Chinese nationals arrested earlier had entered the country last year and began manufacturing illegal cigarettes in January.

“Nakuhang machine dito ilang kayang gawin? Ang tingin namin mga P160 million a day ang kaya niyang gawin, assuming na ang retail ay P180 a pack. Do the math. Parang P450 million a day kung sama-sama lang,” he said.

Authorities estimated the value of confiscated machines and products at around P400 million.

Records showed the warehouse was registered under Fast-track Trade Link, listed under the names Richard Uy, Marilyn Garcia and Leonardo Lim.

“Pero tingin namin dummy lang ang mga ito,” Remulla said.

He disclosed that the government lost around P30 billion in 2025 due to illegal cigarette operations, prompting authorities to pursue charges under the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.

“Napakabigat ng batas na ’yan, kasama ang seizure of properties, non-bailable. Pero ang hinahabol namin dito ay yung buong ecosystem,” he said, noting that authorities are also targeting distributors and retailers.

He explained that retailers, mostly sari-sari stores, earn around P40 per pack, while manufacturers may earn P50 to P60 per pack, or about P100 in total profit margin across the supply chain.

Remulla said the operation reflects the government’s commitment to enforcing the law and protecting consumers, public health and legitimate businesses, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive.

“This administration has always been clear. Large-scale illegal operations that put public health at risk and undermine the law will be confronted and shut down. No excuses,” Remulla said.