Bacolod cop probed over cigarette smuggling link

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By Glazyl M. Jopson

An active police officer in Bacolod City is under investigation for his alleged role in protecting an illegal cigarette smuggling operation on Negros Island.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla disclosed the investigation in a press briefing during his visit to Bago City, Negros Occidental, on Friday, three days after authorities dismantled a reported large-scale illegal cigarette manufacturing and distribution network in Bago City on April 21.

“He is now under custody and subject to further investigation,” Remulla said.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group discovered PHP 800 million worth of equipment, raw materials, and packaging supplies in Bago City and Bacolod City.

The operation was carried out under CIDG Flagship OLEA OPLAN MEGASHOPPER through Mission Orders No. 001-2026 and 002-2026.

Authorities said the operation targeted facilities allegedly engaged in the unlawful manufacture, processing, storage, and distribution of cigarette products in violation of laws regulating the tobacco industry.

On April 21, authorities first confiscated items from a warehouse in Barangay Calumangan, Bago City, including three sets of cigarette manufacturing machines, three sets of cigarette packing machines, assorted finished cigarette products, tobacco stems and cut fillers, packaging materials, labels, filter rods, foils, and related materials valued at PHP 262.5 million.

The law enforcement action led to the arrest of 10 foreign nationals believed to be involved in operating the illegal facilities during a joint inspection of the warehouse.

The Bago City operation was linked to the discovery and confiscation of PHP 536.5 million worth of tobacco raw materials, a large volume of cigarette pack labels, filter rods, filter papers, tipping materials, menthol liquid, and additional packaging supplies in another warehouse at the boundary of Barangays Alijis and Singcang-Airport in Bacolod City.

Investigators learned that Filipino workers had allegedly been recruited and promised a daily wage of PHP 500.

However, some workers were reportedly not paid as agreed and were restricted from leaving the premises, prompting authorities to examine possible elements of forced labor and human trafficking, according to the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region.

The illegal manufacturing operation allegedly began in the third quarter of 2025 and was reportedly operated and supervised by foreign nationals, according to the initial investigation.

Authorities also found that the finished cigarette products were being distributed across Southern Luzon, Central Visayas, Western Visayas, and the National Capital Region, indicating a wide-reaching and organized illicit trade network.

Criminal complaints are being readied for filing, including violations of Presidential Decree No. 1481, which governs and regulates trading in locally grown Virginia leaf tobacco; Republic Act No. 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended; Republic Act No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act; and other related offenses subject to further investigation.

Presidential Decree No. 1481 governs and regulates the trading of locally grown Virginia leaf tobacco in the Philippines.

Republic Act No. 12022 seeks to prevent smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and cartel operations involving agricultural and fishery products, including acts that affect supply, prices, and government revenues.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-Negros Island Region director, said the allegation against the police officer is being investigated to determine the facts and circumstances.

Ibay emphasized that the police regional office is not remiss in disciplining its personnel and does not tolerate involvement in illegal activities.

He warned that any member of the organization found to have violated the law, rules, or ethical standards would be dealt with accordingly and subjected to appropriate administrative and criminal proceedings.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government said initial findings showed that Bacolod City was being used as a storage and consolidation point, while manufacturing activities were allegedly conducted in Bago City.

Investigators are looking into reports that the facility may have had the capacity to produce massive volumes of counterfeit cigarettes intended for distribution across Negros and the wider Visayas area.

“This campaign will continue. We will run after those who profit from deception, evade taxes, and endanger public health,” Remulla said.

The Philippine National Police and CIDG reiterated their commitment to intensifying operations against illegal manufacturing, tax evasion, labor exploitation, and transnational criminal activities that harm lawful businesses and deprive the government of rightful revenues.