The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Education (DepEd) are planning to utilize modular structures to address the shortage of classrooms in the country.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has successfully uncovered large-scale illegal cigarette manufacturing and repacking operations in Pampanga, in a coordinated effort with local government units, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and other partner agencies.
This morning, Chief PNP PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. joined SILG Juanito Victor C. Remulla in site inspections across multiple warehouses in San Fernando, Mexico, and San Simon. Authorities seized cigarette-making and repacking machines, tobacco drying equipment, raw materials, suspected counterfeit BIR tax stamps, and large volumes of finished products.
“Simultaneous ito at well-coordinated,” Chief PNP,PGEN Nartatez said. “Mula sa pinakamaliit hanggang sa pinakamalaki, nakukuha at naaaresto natin ang mga involved. With the LGU, Department of Finance, BIR, Customs, PNP, and NBI working together, we are implementing not only existing laws, but also Republic Act 12022, Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage—part of the President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr’s directive.”
He added, “Kailangan nating malaman ang ecosystem ng ganitong operations. Ilan ang pumapasok na sasakyan, saan galing ang mga sigarilyo at dahon ng tabacco. May CCTV, police presence, at validation ng National Tobacco Administration. Lahat ng items at personalities ay may trace, lalo na kung may permit sila o dumaan sa legal channels. This is a fully coordinated, end-to-end operation.”
Chief PNP PGEN Nartatez emphasized the broader purpose:
“Hindi lang ito tungkol sa government revenues. Ito rin ay para sa health hazards na dulot ng mga illegal cigarettes. Kaya kasali ang Department of Health at Department of Energy sa monitoring. Patuloy ang operations—from warehouses sa Mindanao hanggang sa tindahan at transport routes sa highways. May mga warehouse pa na hinukay sa ilalim ng lupa na may milyong-milyong sigarilyo. Lahat ng ito ay documented at validated.”
The operations began on February 11, 2026, when units led by the CIDG executed a search warrant at a warehouse in Barangay Panipuan, San Fernando. The raid led to the confiscation of cigarette-making and repacking machines, tobacco drying and processing equipment, raw materials, suspected counterfeit BIR tax stamps, and large quantities of finished cigarette products, with a total estimated value of ₱147 million.
Subsequent inspections on February 12 in Barangay San Jose Malino, Mexico, Pampanga, uncovered additional raw materials intended for illegal cigarette production, valued at around ₱115 million. Finally, on February 13, a Bureau of Customs Letter of Authority was implemented at a warehouse in San Simon, resulting in the seizure of nine major processing machines and large sacks of tobacco valued at ₱160 million.
“These operations demonstrate the strong collaboration among LGUs, the PNP, BIR, Customs, and other agencies,” Chief PNP PGEN Nartatez said. “Illegal tobacco manufacturing violates tax laws, undermines lawful businesses, and poses risks to public health. We are committed to holding those responsible accountable.”
The PNP urges the public to report any suspicious activities related to illicit tobacco production and distribution. This accomplishment reinforces the PNP mission under “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman,” showing that law enforcement is proactive, responsive, and effective in addressing nationwide illegal operations.