Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor "Jonvic" Remulla on Thursday, June 18, vowed that authorities will continue running after illegal tobacco syndicates and bring those behind the trade before the courts.

Remulla made the assurance as the government intensified its anti-illicit tobacco campaign, which aims to protect state revenues, legitimate businesses, and thousands of tobacco farmers whose livelihoods depend on the industry.

The DILG chief recalled an operation in December 2025 in Quezon City that started as a routine traffic stop and later led to the discovery of contraband tobacco products worth P143 million.

According to Remulla, individuals linked to the shipment allegedly attempted to offer a bribe to law enforcement officers after the illegal goods were uncovered.

“There will be no compromise. They tried to bribe my men with P5 million. No deal. We are going after you,” Remulla said during the 3rd International Tobacco Summit organized by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the National Tobacco Administration (NTA).

Remulla said authorities remain committed to dismantling networks involved in the illicit tobacco trade.

“We will not allow criminal syndicates to undermine legitimate businesses, deprive the government of revenues, and rob Filipino tobacco farmers of their livelihoods,” Remulla said.

The campaign has received strong backing from President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., whom Remulla said considers the issue a priority because of its impact on tobacco-producing communities, particularly in Northern Luzon.

“Our President is an Ilocano. He sees that the constituents he has served for the longest time are being affected. This anti-illicit tobacco drive is very close to his heart,” he said.

The government has repeatedly pointed to illicit tobacco as a source of lost tax revenues and unfair competition against legitimate manufacturers and traders. Authorities have also warned that organized groups involved in the trade often operate through established distribution networks.

“Every shipment of illicit tobacco seized and every syndicate dismantled helps protect farmers, safeguard legitimate enterprises, and ensure that lawful industries are not placed at a disadvantage by criminal operators,” Remulla said.

The DILG chief also credited law enforcement personnel for the gains recorded under the campaign.

“This campaign is successful for two reasons: the PNP is incorruptible, and since illegal tobacco can develop into something bigger, we might as well stop the ecosystem from the beginning,” he said.

The DILG chief maintained that authorities are carrying out operations within the bounds of the law and with full respect for due process.

“We did not have to kill anyone,” Remulla stressed.

He added that the government will sustain the crackdown until those behind illicit tobacco operations are held accountable.

“The DILG and the PNP are committed, 100 percent, to helping this industry. We will not protect anybody behind these illegal activities,” Remulla said.