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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PNP steps up intel drive after nearly P800 M cigarette factory busts in Negros island

PNP steps up intel drive after nearly P800 M cigarette factory busts in Negros island

Published Apr 26, 2026 02:56 pm
Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), vowed to sustain the intensified intelligence-gathering against illegal cigarettes following the raids in Negros island that led to the confiscation of almost P800 million worth of tobacco products and manufacturing equipment.
Nartatez said police units have been directed to expand intelligence monitoring and strengthen coordination with local government units to identify concealed production sites and the groups running them.
“The goal is always to dismantle the very heart of these illicit operations. By tracking down hidden manufacturing hubs and the syndicates behind them, we are sending a strong message that we will use the full force of the law to ensure the protection of our economy and the welfare of our people,” said Nartatez.
Last week, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) dismantled a large-scale illegal cigarette manufacturing and distribution network in Negros Occidental after uncovering P799,151,453.54 worth of equipment, raw materials, and packaging supplies.
The operations were conducted separately but the CIDG said the two raided sites in Barangay Calumangan, Bago City and Barangay Alijis and Singcang-Airport in Bacolod City were connected.
Ten Chinese nationals were arrested during the operations. Investigators said Filipino workers were allegedly recruited with a P500 daily wage but were reportedly not fully paid and restricted from leaving the premises, raising concerns of possible forced labor and human trafficking.
Nartatez visited the Negros Island Region (NIR) on April 24 with Secretary Remulla where he witnessed a presentation of the results of separate law enforcement operations in Negros Occidental that exposed illegal cigarette manufacturing activities.
“I already instructed our units to intensify their intelligence-gathering measures to identify and locate other manufacturing sites of illegal cigarettes across the country. Our personnel are also instructed to unmask the syndicates behind these operations,” said Nartatez.
Nartatez said the operation exposed the growing scale and sophistication of illegal cigarette production networks in the country, prompting sustained intelligence-driven enforcement efforts.
Nartatez emphasized the role of community cooperation in identifying illegal operations that are often hidden in remote or industrial areas.

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