P150M substandard tobacco products seized in Pampanga

Some P150 million worth of assorted alleged substandard heated tobacco products (HTPs) and traditional cigarettes were seized from two warehouses operated by Arborland Holdings Incorporated in Barangay Calibutbut, Bacolor, Pampanga, on 13 July 2026.

According to a police report, personnel from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Regional Field Unit 3, in coordination with the CIDG Pampanga Provincial Field Unit, CIDG Tarlac Provincial Field Unit, Police Regional Office 3, and local police units, simultaneously served search warrants for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 7394, or the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

Authorities said the operation resulted in the confiscation of approximately P145 million worth of assorted heated tobacco products and P5 million worth of traditional cigarettes.

The products were allegedly stored in unlabeled master cases, bore expired tax stamps and outdated graphic health warnings, and lacked the required clearance from the National Tobacco Administration (NTA).

The CIDG said the operation forms part of the government's efforts to protect consumers, promote public welfare, and prevent unfair trade practices through the enforcement of laws against the manufacture, distribution, sale, and possession of illicit tobacco products.

The agency also underscored the importance of complying with Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, which requires tobacco product packaging to carry picture-based health warnings to inform consumers of the health risks associated with smoking.

In addition, the CIDG emphasized the government's commitment to protecting public revenues through the proper payment of excise taxes and the strict enforcement of laws governing tobacco products.

The CIDG Regional Field Unit 3 said it is preparing to file the appropriate criminal charges against the still-unidentified owners of the warehouses, who remain at large.

Police said the operation was conducted in line with the intensified anti-illicit trade campaign of Philippine National Police Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.