Jimmy Saberon
No warnings.
No excuses.
Just full-force law enforcement.
A powerful joint operation led by DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla and BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, with BIR Central Luzon Director Saripoden M. Bantog, has blown open a massive illegal cigarette manufacturing and smuggling operation in Mexico, Pampanga.
Authorities uncovered ₱391 million worth of smuggled cigarettes, cigarette-making machines, and raw materials, confirming that organized syndicates are still aggressively bleeding the government of vital tax revenues.
The follow-through inspection came after a successful seizure last week by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service–MICP, revealing an illegal factory operating in plain sight.
“This is part of an intensified crackdown ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said, warning retailers and distributors that violations fall under the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, a non-bailable offense.
Secretary Remulla stressed the operation reflects a whole-of-government assault on economic crimes, with the BOC, PNP, BIR, and other agencies working as one.
“Smuggling destroys fair trade, public health, and economic stability. We will not allow it,” Remulla declared.
Director Bantog underscored the tax impact, saying every illegal cigarette represents stolen funds meant for health, education, and infrastructure.
The haul included ₱142M in cigarette-making machines, ₱200M in raw materials, and ₱48M in finished cigarettes, all bearing foreign markings and lacking permits.
Sixty-nine suspects, including six Chinese nationals, are now in PNP-CIDG custody, facing multiple criminal charges.
MESSAGE CLEAR:
THE GLOVES ARE OFF.
Smugglers are on notice—the crackdown is on, and it’s not slowing down.
