In a significant escalation of its anti-smuggling campaign, the Philippine government has announced it will now target retailers selling illegal cigarettes, following a series of successful raids on warehouses and factories. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla made this declaration during a press briefing on Friday, February 20, 2026, warning that operations against supermarkets and stores will commence next week.
Strict Penalties for Retailers
Remulla emphasized that stores caught selling illegal cigarettes will be immediately shut down. Furthermore, individuals involved in the distribution chain will face severe legal consequences under the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, including non-bailable charges. He issued a stark warning to retailers, stating, "As early as now, you can hide those illegal cigarettes or throw them away, I don't care, you still have one week." This move aims to disrupt the retail end of the illicit trade, which has been thriving despite previous enforcement efforts.
Recent Raid in Cavite
The announcement comes on the heels of a major operation on Thursday, February 19, 2026, where police dismantled a suspected illegal cigarette manufacturing and storage facility in Barangay Sahud-Ulan, Tanza, Cavite. According to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the facility was registered as Cavite South Luzon Steel Management and officially declared as a canned goods warehouse. However, it raised suspicions after a citizen reported a strong tobacco odor emanating from the site.
Surveillance operations confirmed ongoing cigarette production, prompting an inspection by the Bureau of Customs (BOC). Authorities seized a substantial cache of equipment and materials, including cigarette-making machines, generators, a forklift, dried tobacco, packaging materials, raw components, alleged counterfeit products of various brands, and boxes of fresh tobacco square sets. Based on BOC assessments, the total value of the seized items is estimated at approximately P200 million.
Broader Implications
This expanded crackdown underscores the government's commitment to combating economic sabotage and protecting legitimate businesses. By targeting both production facilities and retail outlets, authorities aim to create a comprehensive strategy to curb the illegal cigarette trade. The use of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act highlights the serious nature of these offenses, which are treated as crimes against the state's economic interests.
The success of the Cavite raid, driven by citizen reports and coordinated efforts between the DILG and BOC, demonstrates the effectiveness of community involvement in law enforcement. As the government prepares to launch raids on retailers next week, it sends a clear message that no segment of the illegal cigarette supply chain will be spared from scrutiny and prosecution.
