CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla raised alarm over the links between illegal cigarette manufacturing, human trafficking, and massive tax evasion following the recent discovery of an illegal tobacco operation in Mexico town.
During the inspection of the facility in Barangay Panipuan, Remulla said the government will intensify joint operations to dismantle illegal tobacco networks operating in various parts of the country.
“Nagsama-sama po ang joint task force ng PNP [Philippine National Police], Bureau of Customs, at BIR [Bureau of Internal Revenue] para matigil na po ang iligal na aktibidades na ganito,” the cabinet official added.
He disclosed that authorities have been tracking similar operations since December, with earlier raids conducted in Batangas and Malabon, indicating an organized and expanding illegal cigarette network.
“Sa pagtutulungan ng lahat, gagawin namin ang lahat para matigil na ito,” he added, highlighting the need for sustained inter-agency enforcement.
Remulla confirmed that authorities seized three cigarette-making machines, two packing machines, fake tax stamps, and other manufacturing paraphernalia with an estimated value of around ₱400 million.
The facility allegedly produced and distributed large volumes of illegal cigarettes nationwide.
He also revealed that six Chinese nationals operating the factory since March 2025 were arrested and are now being investigated for alleged human trafficking involving around 60 workers reportedly subjected to involuntary servitude.
According to Remulla, the group was able to produce more than ₱4.5 billion worth of illegal cigarettes within a month, using several tons of tobacco leaves and counterfeit BIR tax stamps recovered at the facility.
Authorities also identified the company’s incorporators under Samyong Global Corporation, including Stephanie Sampana, Sweetly Wan Sampana, Brian Manzano, all Filipinos, and Moong Sang Kim and Su Yong Kim, both Korean nationals, as part of the ongoing investigation into the ownership and financing of the operation.
Among the seized cigarette brands were Two Moon, Carnival, and HP, which Remulla warned retailers against selling, noting that the manufacture, transport, and sale of illegal cigarettes violate 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,” he said.
Citing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive, Remulla said the government will not tolerate illegal foreign-backed businesses.
He also reported that the country lost more than ₱30 billion in revenues in 2024 alone due to illicit tobacco trade, which could have been used to fund public health services.
Meanwhile, Remulla assured the public that enforcement operations will continue as part of the administration’s broader drive to protect workers, safeguard revenues, and uphold the rule of law. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
