Pampanga: Authorities arrested six Chinese nationals and rescued 65 Filipino workers during a raid on an illicit cigarette factory here last week. Speaking at a press briefing following a visit to the raided warehouse, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the operation, conducted on Jan. 28, also resulted in the confiscation of PHP400 million worth of illegal cigarettes.

According to Philippines News Agency, Remulla stated that the rescued individuals were victims of human trafficking, forced to work in harsh conditions. The workers, consisting of 54 men and 11 women, were lured with promises of a PHP15,000 monthly salary but were never compensated. They lived in cramped barracks with no windows, inadequate ventilation, and minimal lighting.

The rescued workers are now receiving appropriate assistance from the government. In addition to the human trafficking victims, authorities seized three cigarette manufacturing machines and two cigarette packing machines. These machines were capable of producing an estimated PHP150 million worth of cigarettes daily, amounting to PHP4.5 billion monthly.

The illegal factory commenced operations just last month. Remulla disclosed that the factory's lot was leased by Samyoung Global Corporation, with incorporators including three Filipinos and two Koreans. Authorities are delving deeper into the company's structure.

Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II mentioned that one of the Filipino incorporators has already been subpoenaed as part of the ongoing investigation. The six Chinese nationals face charges under Republic Act 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. They underwent inquest proceedings on Jan. 30, and a preliminary investigation is scheduled for Feb. 9.