ILLEGAL CIGARETTE SMUGGLING PROTECTED BY ‘BACKERS’ IN GOVERNMENT, SAYS REMULLA

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is preparing charges against a suspected illegal cigarette smuggler after raiding a warehouse in Tanza, Cavite, which was allegedly disguised as a canned goods storage site.

Authorities discovered cigarette manufacturing machinery, industrial generators, and other equipment inside the facility, marking the fifth in a series of raids targeting tobacco smugglers.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla claimed that these operations are likely backed by high-ranking government officials and vowed to stop the networks completely.

The suspects may face violations under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, with financial ties potentially traced through the Anti-Money Laundering Council.

Remulla also noted that many of the raided warehouses are owned by Chinese nationals and use machinery imported from Mainland China.

Source: PhilNews24 | February 21, 2026