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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PNP saves 11 workers in raid at illegal cigarette factory in Cavite

PNP saves 11 workers in raid at illegal cigarette factory in Cavite

Published Oct 31, 2025 03:19 pm
(Photo: Philippine National Police)
(Photo: Philippine National Police)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) rescued 11 workers, including a minor, who were allegedly forced to work under questionable labor conditions at a factory of counterfeit cigarettes in Trece Martires City, Cavite on Friday morning, Oct. 31.
In a statement, acting PNP Chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said nine of those rescued are residents of Masbate, including a 17-year-old boy; one came from Pangasinan, and one from Leyte.
Meanwhile, two suspects were arrested by elements of the Calabarzon Police Regional Office (PRO-4A) during the anti-human trafficking operation held at a factory situated at a non-operational recreation and leisure park in Barangay Aguado around 6 a.m.
Police identified them as Tony Sia Lao, of Masbate City; and Erwin Torres Sy, of Pasay City.
The modus of the arrested, according to the police, is to recruit workers from poor communities in the Visayas and Mindanao to work in a factory of counterfeit cigarettes.
The operation was covered by virtue of a search warrant issued by Executive Judge Angelina A. Mailom-Orendain of RTC Branch 92, Calamba City, Laguna for violation of Republic Act No. 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.
Investigation is ongoing to determine if there were also labor laws violated, Nartatez noted.
Nartatez lauded the operating units that worked hard for the success of the operation, from the intelligence-gathering to the actual operation.
The operation was held in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment in Region 4A (DOLE 4A), City Social Welfare and Development Office of Trece Martires City, and representatives from Philip Morris Manufacturing Philippines Inc.
“The Philippine National Police remains steadfast in protecting our fellow Filipinos from any form of exploitation. This operation demonstrates our commitment to uphold human rights and pursue offenders who profit from illegal labor practices,” he said.
The operation, Nartatez emphasized, was carried out in compliance with legal procedures. He said it was covered by body-worn cameras (BWCs) and witnessed by local barangay officials.
The arrested suspects and rescued victims were brought to the Trece Martires City Police Station for documentation and further investigation.

Related Tags

PNP human trafficking Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. Cavite Trece Martires
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