Philippine National Police (PNP) Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez on Monday rejected claims that the illegal cigarette trade has become the “new POGO,” vowing that law enforcement will prevent the industry from evolving into a larger social menace.

Nartatez’s comments were in response to a statement by Marikina Representative Romero Quimbo, who suggested the illicit trade is now operated by foreigners and characterized by inhumane labor conditions, similar to shuttered Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators.

Speaking from an illegal cigarette manufacturing plant in Pampanga, Nartatez joined Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Bureau of Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno to showcase recent enforcement successes.

He cited aggressive raids and intelligence-driven operations as proof of the PNP’s resolve to shut down warehouses and production sites.