Camille Naredo

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) visit  the manufacturing warehouses of unregistered cigarettes at Chamian Commercial Warehouse, Lot 2-C, Phase 4, Baliti Road, Barangay Panipuan, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, on Monday, February 16, 2026.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) visit  the manufacturing warehouses of unregistered cigarettes at Chamian Commercial Warehouse, Lot 2-C, Phase 4, Baliti Road, Barangay Panipuan, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, on Monday, February 16, 2026. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

ILLEGAL CIGARETTE PRODUCTION

Karen De Guzman

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday reported that more than P1 billion worth of smuggled cigarettes were confiscated from January 1 to February 12, 2026.In a press briefing, PNP spokesperson PBGen. Randulf Tuaño said authorities conducted 1,150 operations nationwide during the period, leading to the arrest of 719 individuals.“Patuloy nating pinaiigting ang ating anti-smuggling operations, kasali diyan ‘yung illegal manufacturing of tobacco. Katuwang ang iba pang ahensya upang maprotektahan ang ekonomiya at masiguro ang pagpapatupad ng batas,” Tuaño said.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/2/5/6-chinese-63-filipinos-nabbed-in-pampanga-raid-on-alleged-illegal-cigarette-factory-0757">6 Chinese nabbed, 65 Filipinos rescued in Pampanga raid on alleged illegal cigarette factory</a></div>The PNP said the latest figures reflect intensified efforts under PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.Since the start of Nartatez’s term, authorities have confiscated more than P4 billion worth of illicit cigarettes nationwide.Tuaño also underscored the distinction between operations targeting smuggled cigarettes and those against illegal local manufacturing.“Ang naging operasyon nila, ito ay naging local na kung saan sila ay nag-assemble dito ng mga makina upang makapag-manufacture ng mga illegal cigarettes. ‘Yung ating anti-illegal smuggling operation sa tobacco, ito ‘yung sinasabing natin na mga lusot na produkto mula sa abroad,” he explained.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2025/12/31/over-p1-b-of-suspected-smuggled-cigarettes-seized-in-batangas-city-2147">From carnap to contraband: Over P1-B of suspected smuggled cigarettes seized in Batangas City</a></div>According to the PNP, some groups have been assembling cigarette-making machines locally to produce untaxed tobacco products, while others continue to smuggle finished goods from overseas.Aside from several areas in Luzon, police said they are also monitoring similar activities in parts of the Visayas and Mindanao.The PNP stressed that the campaign against illicit tobacco trade will be sustained and further intensified across the country.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday reported that more than P1 billion worth of smuggled cigarettes were confiscated from January 1 to February 12, 2026.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday reported that more than P1 billion worth of smuggled cigarettes were confiscated from January 1 to February 12, 2026.

PNP seizes over P1-B worth of smuggled cigarettes in first six weeks of 2026

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PNP seizes over P1-B worth of smuggled cigarettes in first six weeks of 2026

Karen De Guzman,

ABS-CBN News

Published February 18, 2026 09:24 PM PHT

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