BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — Police intercepted a shipment of undocumented cigarettes worth ₱132,000 during a high-stakes checkpoint operation on Maharlika Highway in late February 2026. The seizure is believed to be linked to recently dismantled illegal cigarette factories in Central Luzon.
The Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP HPG) flagged a white Toyota Vios in Barangay Busilac on the night of February 26.
- The Incident: When officers asked for documentation, the driver allegedly accelerated and fled, injuring one police officer in the process.
- The Pursuit: A flash alarm and hot pursuit ensued. The vehicle was eventually cornered at a compound in Barangay Santa Rosa.
- The Cargo: Inside the vehicle, authorities found 450 rims of the illicit cigarette brand “Chairman.”
HPG spokesperson Lt. Nadame Malang stated that these goods are “remnants” from illegal manufacturing facilities in Pampanga that were raided and shut down by authorities earlier in February. The arrested suspects are described as “small distributors” responsible for supplying contraband to sari-sari stores in Central Luzon and parts of Northern Luzon.
Two men, aged 34 and 46, were taken into custody. In addition to the cigarettes, police found two pieces of .45 caliber ammunition. The suspects face several charges, including:
- Direct Assault (for injuring the officer)
- Tax Reform Act (RA 8424) violations
- Graphic Health Warnings Law (RA 10643) violations
- Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (RA 10591) violations
The operation is part of a broader government effort to dismantle the illicit tobacco trade, which Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla recently declared was being “dismantled” across Central Luzon.