MEXICO, PAMPANGA β DILG Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla and BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno today announced the successful raid of a massive illegal cigarette factory in Barangay Panipuan.
Executed by a Joint Task Force of the PNP, BOC, and BIR, the operation uncovered an industrial-grade facility producing β±150 million worth of illicit cigarettes per machine, per day. Officials emphasized that this illegal trade prevents the collection of vital excise taxes allotted to Philippine health services, depriving the public of essential medical funding.
Beyond the economic sabotage, authorities rescued 63 Filipino workers from “involuntary servitude.” . Authorities apprehended six (6) Chinese nationals found operating the facility. These victims were lured by false salary promises and forced to live in inhumane conditions. The Task Force issued a stern warning to all retailers: selling undocumented cigarettes violates the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, a major offense carrying non-bailable penalties.
This operation underscores the Department’s commitment to ensuring the protection of the national economy and the welfare of the Filipino people. By dismantling these illicit networks, the Department continues to uphold the rule of law, safeguard public health funds from tax leakages, and prevent the exploitation of Filipino workers. (DILG CENTRAL LUZON)