Camp Captain Julian Olivas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga — Authorities arrested five individuals and confiscated nearly ₱2 million worth of counterfeit cigarettes and assorted smuggled goods in a joint enforcement operation in Plaridel, Bulacan, late Thursday night, March 26, 2026.
The operation, led by the Plaridel Municipal Police Station (MPS) with support from the Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB) Bulacan and representatives from Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC), stemmed from a complaint by the property owner regarding suspicious nighttime activities involving the storage of alleged fake and untaxed cigarettes inside a rented compound in Brgy. San Jose of said town.
Upon verification and inspection, operatives discovered multiple boxes of cigarettes in plain view. On-site validation confirmed the presence of counterfeit and untaxed Marlboro products, in violation of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, particularly Sections 263 and 265. Additional violations include breaches of Intellectual Property Rights laws, Republic Act No. 7394, and Republic Act No. 10643.
Among those arrested were a Chinese national identified as the tenant, along with four Filipino workers and a driver. All suspects failed to present proof of tax payment or lawful documentation for the goods.
Authorities confiscated counterfeit cigarette products and various untaxed brands, including Green Commando, Cannon, Mighty, Two Moon, Delta, and others, amounting to approximately ₱812,500.00. Also recovered were assorted consumer goods suspected to be counterfeit or non-compliant, including rubber shoes, food seasonings, instant noodles, and perfumes, with an estimated value of ₱1,091,080.0,0 bringing the total value of seized items to ₱1,903,580.00
PRO3 Director PBGEN Jess B Mendz emphasized that the operation reflects the intensified campaign against economic sabotage and illicit trade, in line with the directives of SILG Juanito Victor C Remulla Jr and PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C Nartatez Jr.
“This operation underscores our firm stance against smuggling and the proliferation of counterfeit goods that undermine our economy and endanger public welfare. Following the strong directive of Secretary Remulla and the guidance of our Chief, PNP, PGEN Nartatez Jr, we are intensifying enforcement against illicit trade through sustained, intelligence-driven operations and close coordination with our partners.
Hindi po natin papayagan na magamit ang ating rehiyon bilang imbakan o daluyan ng smuggled at pekeng produkto. Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating operasyon—legal, koordinado, at may malasakit sa mamamayan dahil ang ating Pulis Central Luzon ay nagbibigay ng serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman,” PBGEN Mendez added.
PRO3 reiterated its call for public cooperation in reporting similar illegal activities, assuring that all reports will be acted upon swiftly and discreetly.
