AN illegal cigarette factory was discovered in Barangay Calumangan, Bago City, Negros Occidental on Tuesday, April 21. (Bago City Police Station)
BACOLOD CITY – Authorities arrested 14 individuals, including 10 Chinese nationals and a minor, in an illegal cigarette factory in Barangay Calumangan, Bago City, Negros Occidental on Tuesday, April 21.
The factory was discovered during an inspection of a warehouse by the Permits and Licensing Office and the police.
Recovered were several machines, including loaders and packaging equipment, and assorted paraphernalia.
Another cigarette factory was found during an inspection of a warehouse in Barangay Alijis here. Officials, including Mayor Greg Gasataya, discovered thousands of boxes of packaging materials and other supplies. Authorities are assessing the total value of the seized items. Investigation is ongoing.
Police Col. Eugene Rebadomia, Bacolod police director, efforts are ongoing to identify the individuals behind the warehouse, including its possible owner or renter.
He stressed that large-scale illegal activities like this require strong coordination between local governments and law enforcement to uncover.
Gasataya assured the public that the city government will continue cracking down on illegal operations that threaten public health and legitimate businesses, while also praising authorities for their efforts.
“We assure the people of Bacolod that there will be no letup in going after these illegal operations,” he said.
Intensified anti-smuggling efforts in Negros Island have led to the seizure of P138.5-million worth of smuggled cigarettes and the arrest of 12 suspects over the past two weeks.