No new ‘POGO’ from illegal cigarette trade, PNP says

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez on Monday rejected claims that the illegal cigarette trade has become the “new POGO,” following a statement by Marikina Rep. Romero Quimbo.

Nartatez said the PNP is intensifying operations against the illegal cigarette trade to prevent it from becoming a large-scale social problem.

Speaking at an illegal cigarette manufacturing site in Pampanga with Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, Nartatez said the police have conducted raids and intelligence-driven operations to confiscate illegal cigarettes and shut down warehouses and production facilities.

“The Philippine National Police will continue to sustain our operations against illegal cigarettes. Our intelligence-gathering and coordination with other government agencies have been intensified not only for operations but also to build cases against those involved,” Nartatez said.

He added that more raids on unauthorized factories will continue as the PNP strengthens coordination with other agencies to fight illegal cigarette production.

Nepomuceno said the Bureau of Customs (BOC) confiscated more than P400 billion worth of smuggled goods in 2025, with a monthly intelligence fund of P5 million supporting these operations. He clarified that the funds cover a range of smuggling cases, including vehicles, petroleum products, and agricultural goods.

On the orders of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., the BOC has focused on smuggling and illegal manufacturing of agricultural products, including cigarettes. Nepomuceno also credited the support of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the PNP for enhancing enforcement against well-connected smuggling syndicates.