THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) conducted a joint enforcement operation of an alleged illegal cigarette manufacturer in Mexico, Pampanga, which was found to be engaged in the unauthorized local production of cigarettes.
It was learned from BOC deputy chief of staff at spokesman Atty. Chris Noel Bendijo that the operation was carried out on January 28, 2026 at a warehouse located at Lot 2645, Panipuan, Mexico, Pampanga, following a derogatory report received by the bureau.
Bendijo said the BOC team was composed of personnel from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service of the Manila International Container Port, the Enforcement and Security Service, MICP Examiners and the Legal Service.
Done in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and with the local barangay officials who assisted during the conduct of the operation, Bendijo said that the operation was pursuant to a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to dismantle illicit trade networks and protect government revenues.
Based on initial findings, the warehouse was operating as an alleged illicit cigarette manufacturing plant with no valid permits or authority to locally manufacture cigarettes where authorities 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.
Bendijo noted that these brands are the same brands recently apprehended in a separate enforcement operation in Batangas, indicating a possible link in the distribution and supply chain of illicit cigarettes currently under investigation by authorities, adding that the cigarette-making machines and raw materials found on site are alleged to be smuggled, as these were not covered by any import permits or proper customs documentation.
Also found scattered within the compound were tax stamps, which are now subject to verification by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to determine their authenticity and compliance with excise tax laws, in light of the suspected unauthorized local production.
Too, Bendijo said found inside the premises were individuals believed to be involved in the illegal operation, composed of six male Chinese nationals, 52 male Filipino nationals and 11 female Filipino nationals. The BOC is coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration to verify the legal status and documentation of the said foreign nationals.
Meantime, an inventory and valuation of the seized cigarettes, raw materials and equipment are ongoing to determine the total quantity, value and corresponding duties, taxes and penalties, as well as possible violations of customs, tax, immigration, and other related laws.
For his part, BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno stressed the significance of the operation in protecting the public and the economy. “Illicit cigarette manufacturing undermines legitimate businesses, deprives the government of much-needed revenues, and poses serious risks to public health. 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.”
He also said that the BOC reiterates its commitment to intensifying enforcement actions against smuggling and illicit trade as part of the Marcos administration’s broader agenda of good governance, accountability and economic protection.
