BATANGAS CITY — Authorities are set to file criminal charges on February 3, 2026, against individuals behind the ₱1.1-billion illegal cigarette seizure in Batangas City, marking the first major enforcement of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.
The Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) said the case serves as the “opening salvo” of Republic Act 12022, enacted in 2024 to combat large-scale smuggling, hoarding, and cartel activity. Tobacco is classified under the law as a protected agricultural product, with offenders facing non-bailable charges and possible life imprisonment.
PNP-HPG chief Brig. Gen. Hansel Marantan said authorities are confident of securing convictions, citing strong evidence and the identification of key personalities, including consignees, truckers, and financiers.
“We see a big chance of conviction—close to 100 percent,” Marantan said.
Among those to be charged is the wife of a Bureau of Customs personnel, while financiers currently overseas will face charges upon their return. Arrest warrants are already being pursued.
The contraband was discovered on December 31, 2025, in abandoned trailer trucks and a container van in Barangay Balete after police tracked a stolen sedan via GPS to the site. The vehicle was found inside one of the trucks along with the illegal cigarettes.
PNP officials said the Batangas operation is part of a broader, coordinated crackdown, noting that more than ₱3.3 billion worth of tobacco contraband has been seized nationwide since the start of the year.| – BNN Integrated News
