Ang Pahayagan

PAMPANGA– Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla vowed on Thursday to eradicate the illegal smuggling, selling, and manufacturing of tobacco in the Philippines, following the confiscation of more than P400-million worth of cigarettes and machinery in Barangay Panipuan, Mexico, Pampanga.

“Nagsama-sama po ang joint task force ng PNP (Philippine National Police), Bureau of Customs (BoC), at BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) para matigil na po ang iligal na aktibidades na ganito,” Remulla said.

“Nag-umpisa po kami noong Disyembre sa Mabini, Batangas, sa Malabon at ngayon dito sa Mexico, Pampanga… at sa pagtutulungan ng lahat ng nandito ay gagawin namin ang lahat para matigil na ito,” he added.

He confirmed that three cigarette-making machines, two cigarette-packing machines, fake tax stamps, and other paraphernalia amounting to an aggregate total of P400-million worth were confiscated within the facility.

In a press briefing after an inspection of the suspected illegal cigarette factory, Remulla said that the task force arrested six Chinese nationals operating the said factory since March 2025, who are involved in the human trafficking of the rescued 60 workers, allegedly subjected to involuntary servitude.

The DILG Chief said these Chinese operators produced over P4.5-billion worth of illegal cigarettes in the span of one month, which are now distributed in the market. In the possession of these Chinese nationals are several tons of tobacco leaves, fake BIR stamps, and other paraphernalia for the production of illegal cigarettes.

According to Remulla, the incorporators of the company are Stephanie Sampana, Sweetly Wan Sampana, Brian Manzano, all Filipinos, and Moong Sang Kim and Su Yong Kim, both Korean nationals, all under Samyong Global Corporation, formerly Sangil Steel Philippines.

Among the illegal cigarette brands confiscated were Two Moon, Carnival Cigarette, and HP.

Remulla warned retailers that the manufacturing, transportation, and selling of illegal cigarettes are against the Anti- Agricultural Sabotage Act. “Nakikiusap kami sa lahat ng maliliit na tindahan, kung kayo po ay mahulihan ng iligal na sigarilyo, pati po kayo ay makakasuhan ng non-bailable offense.”

Citing the previous directive of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., Remulla said the government does not turn a blind eye to this modus and that the President is not in the business of protecting any illegal foreign businesses and their perpetrators.