A case build-up is underway in preparation for filing multiple charges against those allegedly behind the illegal operation of four syndicated tobacco factories in Pampanga, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced Tuesday.
Following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the DILG and the Philippine National Police are closely coordinating with the Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Department of Agriculture in adopting a whole-of-nation approach to intensify the crackdown on illegal tobacco operations nationwide.
“We reiterate that the tobacco problem in the Philippines is massive. There is a syndicate running all these factories. We are not yet certain who they are — we are still identifying them — but if you notice, it is too much of a coincidence that they all stopped operations at the same time,” Remulla said.
Remulla disclosed that three other cigarette factories in Pampanga — two in Mexico town and one in San Simon — simultaneously ceased operations following a government raid on a commercial warehouse in San Fernando City.
“It is such a coincidence that they stopped at the same time. The products, machines and brands found there are not on the National Tobacco Administration registration list. This means the operation is 100 percent illegal,” he added.
Authorities recovered several pieces of evidence during the San Fernando operation, including four units of cigarette packing components, a cigarette repacking machine, two cigarette-making machines, three tobacco-drying machines, cigarette manufacturing materials branded as Playboy, cigarette filters and counterfeit BIR tax stamps — all indicating the scale and sophistication of the illegal operation.
Remulla further said San Fernando City Mayor Vilma Balle-Caluag, who was present during the operation, confirmed that the facility had no business permit to operate within the city.
Among the persons of interest identified by Remulla are the three owners of Fast Track Trade Link — Richard Uy, Marlene Garcia and Leonardo Bangayan Lim. He also raised the possible involvement of two congressmen from Central Luzon.
According to Remulla, the group may face charges for multiple violations, including Republic Act No. 8424 or the Tax Reform Act of 1997; Republic Act No. 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act; Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act; Republic Act No. 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines; and other applicable environmental laws.