PNP Chief Vows to Intensify Crackdown on Illegal Cigarette Factories Nationwide
In a significant development in the fight against economic crimes, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has pledged to intensify intelligence operations to locate and dismantle all illegal cigarette factories across the country. This announcement follows a series of successful law enforcement actions that have exposed the massive scale of illicit cigarette production and distribution networks operating in the Philippines.
Recent Seizures Highlight Smuggling Operations
Police operatives recently seized a shipment of approximately P3.5 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested two individuals during an intelligence-driven operation on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in Pinantao village, Parang, Maguindanao del Norte. This operation represents just one example of the PNP's ongoing efforts to combat the illegal cigarette trade that has been depriving the government of substantial revenue.
Massive Illegal Factory Operations Uncovered
The PNP's commitment to this campaign gained renewed urgency following the inspection of an illegal cigarette factory in Mexico, Pampanga on February 4, 2026. According to police estimates, this single facility alone has the capacity to produce P150 million worth of cigarettes daily. Since beginning operations on January 1 this year, the factory has reportedly produced and distributed approximately P4.5 billion worth of illicit cigarettes.
General Nartatez emphasized the economic impact of these illegal operations, stating: "We cannot allow these people to operate because our government is losing billions of pesos that are supposed to be used for social services. We have intensified our intelligence-gathering to track down these illegal factories and arrest those behind their operation."
Comprehensive Law Enforcement Strategy
The PNP chief has directed the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and Police Regional Offices to treat illegal cigarette factories as high-impact economic crimes. Police intelligence reports indicate that at least 10 illegal cigarette factories currently exist and are now primary targets of the PNP in coordination with the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
Nartatez outlined a comprehensive approach that goes beyond simple arrests: "We will not stop at arresting them. Our goal is always to build a strong case to ensure conviction." He added that authorities are focusing on building cases that will lead to convictions and the dismantling of entire criminal networks involved in the illicit trade.
Expanding Investigation Scope
The investigation has expanded beyond physical factory sites to target the financial networks supporting these operations. Authorities are now zeroing in on financial trails and other crucial evidence that could lead to the financiers of cigarette smuggling activities. The PNP chief revealed that the focus has shifted toward the people funding and protecting these illegal operations, including two Northern Luzon politicians who have been tagged as possible financiers.
Nartatez further explained: "Kung may indikasyon ng human trafficking, forced labor, o exploitation, isasama rin po natin ang Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. Gusto natin na matibay ang ebidensiya—financial records, testimonies, at linkages—para hindi basta makakalusot ang mga sindikato." (If there are indications of human trafficking, forced labor, or exploitation, we will also include the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. We want solid evidence—financial records, testimonies, and linkages—so syndicates cannot easily escape liability.)
Inter-Agency Cooperation Strengthens
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla highlighted the importance of police-initiated anti-smuggling operations, citing the limited number of BOC personnel. Compared to the BOC's approximately 5,000 personnel, the PNP has more than 230,000 personnel who can be mobilized for anti-smuggling operations.
Remulla emphasized the collaborative nature of these efforts: "Sila ang kasama namin, it's a joint effort. As soon as we have word, sila rin ang nag-iinvestigate at sila rin ang nagqu-qualify." (They are with us—it's a joint effort. As soon as we get information, they are also the ones investigating and qualifying the cases.)
Recent Successes in Anti-Smuggling Operations
Since last year, anti-smuggling operations have yielded at least P10 billion worth of smuggled items. Recent significant seizures include:
- On December 31 last year, the PNP's Highway Patrol Group (HPG) discovered P1.1 billion worth of smuggled cigarettes in Batangas City during a follow-up operation on a stolen car
- The following day, HPG operatives seized P1.5 billion worth of smuggled cigarettes in Malabon
- In late January, HPG operatives confiscated over P220 million worth of Apple products with questionable documents in Quezon City
Both the CIDG and HPG have been instrumental in a series of seizures of smuggled products worth millions of pesos in recent weeks, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement efforts.
Challenges Within Customs Bureau
The intensified anti-smuggling campaign comes as the Bureau of Customs faces internal challenges. Two BOC personnel—Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Director Thomas Narcise and CIIS Port of Manila head Paul Oliver Pacunayen—were recently named in a complaint sent to President Marcos over allegations of a resurgence in smuggling activities. The BOC has yet to complete its investigation into these officials.
Despite these challenges, the PNP remains committed to its expanded role in combating smuggling operations, working in close coordination with other government agencies to protect national revenue and dismantle criminal networks operating in the illicit cigarette trade.
