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PNP CONFIRMS ₱5.4-B COUNTERFEIT CIGARETTE TAX STAMP OPERATION; FILES CHARGES

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has confirmed the large-scale use of counterfeit foreign cigarette tax stamps following the technical examination and verification of seized cigarette products in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

The verification, conducted in coordination with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) and authorized representatives from the tax stamp provider, established that the seized cigarette products bear non-authentic Malaysian excise tax stamps.

This development follows an earlier anti-illegal trade operation by Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7) under COPLAN “Dark Leaf,” which involved the implementation of a search warrant against a cigarette manufacturing facility suspected of illicit activities.

During the examination, a total of 45 cigarette samples from various brands were tested, all of which yielded negative results for authenticity. Authorities also uncovered 38 boxes containing approximately 10.64 million counterfeit tax stamps, equivalent to around 212.8 million cigarette sticks, with an estimated value of ₱4.256 billion.

Earlier, the operation at the Baisisen Global Corporation facility resulted in the seizure of 22 machines used in cigarette production, valued at about ₱1.1 billion. The total estimated value of all seized items, including cigarette products, counterfeit stamps, and equipment, reached approximately ₱5.4 billion.

Following the verification, a formal complaint was filed on April 13, 2026 for violation of Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code (Falsification by Private Individuals and Use of Falsified Documents), with possible additional charges under related laws.

PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing transnational crimes.

“This operation highlights the strength of our coordination with foreign counterparts in going after large-scale illegal activities that affect government revenues and economic stability,” PGEN Nartatez said.

The PNP continues to intensify its campaign against economic sabotage and illicit trade as part of its operational focus, in line with the PNP Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations.

The PNP remains committed to its vision of a Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.

(PNP-PIO)

LOOK: Under the leadership of PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., the Philippine National Police, through the Public Information Office, held a press briefing this morning, April 16, 2026, at the PIO Press Briefing Room in Camp Crame, led by PBGEN Randulf T. Tuaño, Chief PIO. The briefing highlighted recent operational accomplishments aligned with the Safer Cities initiative and the Enhanced Managing Police Operations under the PNP Focused Agenda.

During the briefing, key developments were presented by invited resource persons, including PBGEN Ponce Rogelio I. Penoñes, The Acting Director for Operations who reported on the service of warrants of arrest that resulted in an armed encounter in the Negros Island Region (NIR), alongside updates on Safer Cities initiatives. PBGEN Glicerio C. Cansilao, Director of the Anti-Kidnapping Group, discussed the successful rescue of a kidnapping victim which also led to an armed encounter.

Also present was PLTCOL Milany Martirez, RPIO PRO 4A who shared updates on a hot pursuit operation in San Antonio, Quezon that resulted in an armed confrontation, while PCOL Joselito M. De Sesto, Chief of Police of Pasay City, provided details on the recent robbery with force upon things involving the so-called “Termite Gang” modus.

PBGEN Tuaño likewise addressed updates on the administrative relief of nine personnel from the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) following an ongoing investigation into a recent hazing incident, reaffirming the PNP’s commitment to accountability, discipline, and internal cleansing.

The PNP assures the public that these intensified operations and swift actions reflect its continuing commitment to ensuring safer communities nationwide—anchored on the guiding principle of Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.

(PNP-PIO)