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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Netizen leads cops to warehouse after watching FB live; P70 M smuggled cigarettes seized

Netizen leads cops to warehouse after watching FB live; P70 M smuggled cigarettes seized

Published Feb 17, 2026 11:47 am
CIDG operatives conduct inventory of P70 million worth of smuggled cigarette products discovered in a warehouse in San Simon, Pampanga. (photo: PNP)
CIDG operatives conduct inventory of P70 million worth of smuggled cigarette products discovered in a warehouse in San Simon, Pampanga. (photo: PNP)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) seized more than P70 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and raw materials for the manufacture of the tobacco product in a raid on a warehouse in San Simon, Pampanga.
Thanks to a netizen who realized seeing the same brands of smuggled and illegally manufactured cigarettes while watching the Facebook livestream of a press conference relating to the raids on three cigarette warehouses in Pampanga on Monday, February 16.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said it was the netizen who informed the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on the location of the warehouse where in Barangay San Pablo Libutad in San Simon town.
Nartatez said CIDG operatives immediately proceeded to the area after receiving the tip-off and through the clear glass window of the warehouse, detectives were able to confirm the presence of what they described as brand cigarettes inside the compound.
The verification made with the barangay officials disclosed that the target warehouse has no issued business permit.
Seized were master cases and reams of various cigarette products worth P70.1 million. Also seized were assorted tobacco raw materials which reinforced intelligence reports and previous successful operations of illegal manufacturing and repacking of cigarettes in the country.
“This is another proof of what we can achieve if we all work together to enforce the law and maintain peace and order. Criminal elements and syndicates stand no chance to operate and conduct illegal activities in a community that is united and working together towards peace and development,” said Nartatez.
“This successful operation is clearly a result of the renewed trust and confidence of the people to their Philippine National Police,” he added.
Earlier on Monday, Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Nartatez and other officials presided a press conference regarding the raid on cigarette warehouses in San Simon, Mexico and San Fernando City.
Remulla said the raided manufacturing sites could produce P160 million worth of cigarettes that are distributed across the country in very affordable price.
Authorities seized around P450 million worth of materials and equipment during the three separate raids.
Police are now conducting verification to identify the owner and/or lessee of the warehouse who have full control of the warehouses, including the recently raided one in
Barangay San Pablo Libutad.
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