Valenzuela: The Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has confiscated PHP2.4 billion worth of counterfeit cigarettes and smuggling equipment in a two-day operation conducted in Valenzuela City and San Rafael, Bulacan, an official said Thursday. In a news release, CIDG chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III stated that the CIDG Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crime Unit (AFCCU), in collaboration with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), executed the raids on November 6-7, seizing various brands of illicit cigarettes along with a substantial collection of cigarette manufacturing equipment.

According to Philippines News Agency, the operation was carried out under the authority of BIR Mission Order No. MS0201700024179, targeting Bulacan, which is allegedly the primary hub for the illegal production of counterfeit cigarettes that were subsequently distributed to Valenzuela. Several individuals were apprehended, including foreign nationals identified by aliases ‘Yanliang,’ ‘Rock
,’ ‘Zizhan,’ ‘Zili,’ and ‘Ziqiang,’ who were arrested in Valenzuela, along with “WU” in Bulacan.

Additionally, 155 trafficked individuals were rescued from the illegal factory in San Rafael, Bulacan, which was identified as a large-scale illegal manufacturing and distribution operation. The operation uncovered the plant’s capacity to produce an estimated 12.9 million cigarettes daily, with a daily value of approximately PHP45 million.

The total market value of the confiscated items at the plant, including production machinery and raw materials, was estimated at PHP1.24 billion. In separate operations in Valenzuela, authorities seized illicit cigarette brands valued at an estimated PHP1.158 billion.

The suspects were transferred to the AFCCU for documentation and further legal processing, while all confiscated evidence is currently under the temporary custody of the BIR. Charges for violations under Republic Act (RA) 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 (as amended by RA 10364), and RA 8293 (In
tellectual Property Code of the Philippines) are being prepared against the suspects.

Brig. Gen. Torre emphasized the importance of the operation, stating, “This successful operation highlights our firm commitment to dismantling criminal syndicates that exploit vulnerable individuals and jeopardize public safety. The CIDG is determined to ensure that no one is above the law – dahil ang gusto ng pulis, ligtas ka (because the police want you to be safe).”