20/05/2026
CIDG’s FIGHT AGAINST ILLEGAL CI******ES YIELDS 2 SUSPECTS & PHP 5.1 MILLION EVIDENCE IN LAGUNA
In compliance with the high-level directives of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. through the DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” C. Remulla, and Chief of Philippine National Police, Police General Jose Melencio C Nartatez Jr. to intensify the government’s crackdown on illicit ci******es, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) conducted enhanced law enforcement operations nationwide.
On May 18, 2026 at around 8:40 PM to 10:20 PM, the CIDG Laguna Provincial Field Unit in coordination with territorial police units conducted a law enforcement operation against illicit ci******es- violation of Republic Act No. 10643 or “Graphic Health Warnings Law” and Republic Act No. 9211 “Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003” in Brgy. Canlubang, Calamba City, Laguna that resulted in the arrest of two male suspects, and confiscation of 79 master cases of ci******es with an estimated value of PhP 5,135,000.00.
A report that reached PMGEN Robert AA Morico II, the Director of CIDG, stated that the arrested suspects “Jon” and “Cris” both male, of legal age, residents of Brgy. Tulos, Rosario, Batangas were caught while in possession, control and transporting of the ci******es which do not have the required graphic health warnings.
The CIDG Director emphasized that under Republic Act No. 10643 or “Graphic Health Warnings Law”, the State protects and promotes the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them; and protects consumers from trade malpractices and from substandard to***co products. Likewise, Republic Act No. 9211 or “Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003” provides a balanced policy to regulate the packaging, use, sale, and distribution of to***co products. Its primary purpose is to protect public health, inform citizens of the risks of smoking, and safeguard the youth while ensuring the livelihood of to***co stakeholders.
The CIDG leadership commends PCOL Ganaban C Ali, the Regional Chief of the CIDG Regional Field Unit 4A, and the CIDG Laguna Provincial Field Unit led by PLTCOL Victor M Sobrepeña, for the confiscation of huge quantity of alleged illicit ci******es and apprehension of violators of law. The confiscation significantly preempts the proliferation, sell and consumption of the alleged substandard to***co products- thus, possible health hazards are prevented.
The CIDG assures the public that the Group is resolute in enforcing all the laws and unrelenting in curbing all illegal activities and violations of law - across the country. The CIDG urges the public to report all smuggled and illicit to***co products and suspicious manufacturing facilities in their localities, and the CIDG will take it from there.