BACOLOD CITY – The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) dismantled a reported large-scale illegal cigarette manufacturing and distribution network in Negros Occidental, following the discovery of almost P800-million worth of equipment, raw materials, and packaging supplies in two areas this week.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, along with PNP chief Police Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., visited one area in Bago City, Negros Occidental on Friday, April 24.

The operation was carried out under CIDG Flagship OLEA OPLAN MEGASHOPPER through the implementation of Mission Orders No. 001-2026 and 002-2026, targeting facilities allegedly engaged in the unlawful manufacture, processing, storage, and distribution of cigarette products in violation of existing laws regulating the tobacco industry.

Authorities confiscated in Barangay Calumangan on April 21 three sets of cigarette manufacturing machines, three sets of cigarette packing machines, assorted finished cigarette products, tobacco stems and cut fillers, packaging materials, labels, filter rods, foils, and related materials worth P262.5 million.

The law enforcement action resulted in the arrest of 10 foreign nationals believed to be involved in operating the illegal facilities during a joint inspection of the warehouse last Tuesday.

Thy were linked to the discovery and confiscation of P536.5-million worth of tobacco raw materials, large volume of cigarette pack labels, filter rods, filter papers, and tipping materials, menthol liquid, and additional packaging supplies in a warehouse at the boundaries of Barangay Alijis and Singcang-Airport in this highly-urbanized city on April 22.

Investigators learned that Filipino workers were allegedly been recruited and promised a daily wage of P500.

However, some workers were reportedly not paid as agreed and were restricted from leaving the premises, prompting authorities to examine possible elements of forced labor and human trafficking, according to a report from the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR).

Initial investigation disclosed that the illegal manufacturing operation allegedly began in the third quarter of 2025 and was reportedly operated and supervised by foreign nationals.

Authorities also discovered that the finished cigarette products were being distributed in Southern Luzon, Central Visayas, Western Visayas, and the National Capital Region, indicating a wide-reaching and organized illicit trade network.

Criminal complaints are now being readied for filing, including violations of Presidential Decree No. 1481 or governing and regulating trading in locally grown virginia lead tobacco; Republic Act No. 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended; Republic Act No. 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act; and other related offenses subject to further investigation.

The Philippine National Police and CIDG reiterated their commitment to intensifying operations against illegal manufacturing, tax evasion, labor exploitation, and transnational criminal activities that harm lawful businesses and deprive the government of rightful revenues.