Govt. busts clandestine cigarette factory in Pampanga raid

6 alleged Chinese nationals among those arrested

On Feb 1, 2026

Members of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), inspecting the illegal cigarette factory they raided last January 28 in Mexico, Pampanga (photo: BOC-PIAD).

THE government, spearheaded by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) announced the successful raid at a clandestine and illegal cigarette manufacturing facility in Pampanga province that also resulted to the detention of several people, including six alleged Chinese nationals.

In a statement, the BOC said the operation took place last January 28 at a warehouse located at Lot 2645, Bgy. Panipuan, Mexico, following its receipt of a “derogatory information” from confidential informants.

The alleged Chinese nationals found working inside an illegal cigarette factory in Mexico, Pampanga. (photo: BOC-PIAD).

The operating team was composed of personnel from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) of the Manila International Container Port headed by Field Officer Joel Pinawin, the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS/Customs Police), Customs examiners and the Legal Service, with the support from the Philippine Coastguard (PCG) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Village representatives from Bgy. Panipuan also witnessed the operation, the BOC said.

The operating team discovered allegedly locally manufactured cigarettes branded as “Two Moon,” along with cigarette-making machines and manufacturing paraphernalia bearing the brands Mighty, H&P, Playboy, and Carnival, indicating on-site production activities.

The BOC Team with MICP Field Officer Joel Pinawin standing at the center of the group photo (credit to BOC-PIAD).

The cigarette-making machines and raw materials found on site are believed to be smuggled, as these were not covered by any import permit or proper customs documentation.

The BOC said they also recovered documentary tax stamps that are now being authenticated with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno stressed the significance of the operation in protecting the public and the economy.

“In line with the President’s directive, the Bureau of Customs will relentlessly pursue those involved in smuggling and illegal manufacturing through sustained enforcement and close coordination with our partner agencies,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.

He added they are now cross-referencing the recovered evidence from the illicit cigarettes found inside several abandoned container vans in Batangas province and at a private wharf in Malabon at the start of the year worth over P2 billion (see Pinoy Exposé, January 4, 2026) as all have the same brands of cigarettes.

Six alleged male Chinese nationals, 52 Filipino male nationals and 11 Filipinas found at the premises were also taken into custody, the BOC said.

Nepomuceno said they are now coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration to verify the legal status of the detained Chinese.

The BOC declined to issue a statement on the value of the recovered cigarettes, raw materials and equipment pending the result of the ongoing inventory.