DILG: 2 lawmakers linked to massive illegal cigarette operation in Pampanga

National

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) disclosed that two incumbent lawmakers from Northern Luzon are allegedly connected to a large-scale illegal cigarette operation uncovered in Pampanga.

DILG Sec. Jonvic Remulla said intelligence reports indicate that the lawmakers may have ties to a criminal syndicate operating a clandestine cigarette factory producing illegal goods worth millions of pesos daily, a report by Inquirer.net stated.

The disclosure followed a joint law enforcement operation that led to the shutdown of a secret manufacturing site in Barangay Panipuan, Pampanga.

Authorities estimate that the seized facility was capable of producing illegal cigarettes worth up to ₱400 million per day, posing significant losses to government revenues if the operation had continued.

The raid was carried out by the DILG in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Customs (BoC), and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

During the operation, authorities confiscated large quantities of finished cigarettes, raw materials, and industrial-scale manufacturing equipment. Six Chinese nationals believed to be managing the facility were arrested.

Police also rescued more than 60 Filipino workers who were found inside the compound under harsh and restrictive conditions.

Officials said the workers were promised regular wages but did not receive proper compensation. They were reportedly living within the facility with limited freedom of movement, raising concerns over possible forced labor and human trafficking.

Remulla confirmed that intelligence reports point to two sitting members of Congress who may have financed or protected the illegal operation.

While their identities remain undisclosed, the DILG said they are now included in an ongoing investigation.

“This operation shows how deeply entrenched illegal cigarette syndicates have become,” Remulla said, adding that authorities are working to dismantle the entire network, including its political and financial backers.(Jeff Marco Zamora, BIPSU Comm intern)