P275M Illegal cigarette operations uncovered in Pampanga as SILG Visits Sites

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Philippine authorities have dealt a significant blow to illegal trade in this province, uncovering two massive illegal cigarette manufacturing and processing facilities with an estimated value of P275 million.

Secretary of the Interior and Local Government (SILG) Juanito Victor C. Remulla Jr. personally inspected the sites on Monday, 116 February, following intelligence-driven operations.

The two sites, located in San Simon and Mexico towns were raided by a joint task force comprising the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Customs (BOC), and other partner government agencies.

The first discovery on 13 February, involved a warehouse in Barangay Dela Paz, San Simon, registered under Dongjin Longevity Industry Corp., which had an expired license for battery manufacturing. Here, authorities seized nine tobacco processing machines and large quantities of raw and ground tobacco materials, estimated at P115 million. This facility was identified as a key supplier of raw materials for illegal cigarette production.

Just a day later, on 14 February , another raid in Barangay San Jose Malino, Mexico, Pampanga, targeted a warehouse associated with AR International Enterprise Company. Despite holding a license only for importing unmanufactured tobacco, the facility housed seventy-four shipping containers, twelve cigarette-making machines, a 50-ton truck crane, and various manufacturing components worth an estimated P160 million.

While both locations were abandoned during the operations and no arrests were made, the seizures represent a substantial event in the government's efforts against illegal tobacco trade, Remulla said. "The facilities have been secured, and investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible."

Remulla further emphasized the severe impact of illicit cigarette operations on national revenue, stating that billions in potential revenue are lost, directly affecting essential public services, particularly healthcare programs.

He reiterated the government's "whole-of-nation approach," citing the formation of a joint task force in December 2025 to combat this growing menace.

PRO3 Director PBGEN Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr. highlighted the crucial role of sustained intelligence work and inter-agency coordination in these successes.

"These operations reflect our continuing commitment to strengthen law enforcement efforts and enhance inter-agency collaboration," Peñones said, underscoring the PNP's dedication to safeguarding legitimate businesses and protecting public interest.

He stressed that the PNP remains resolute in its commitment to upholding the rule of law and will continue its relentless efforts to dismantle illicit trade networks across the country.