Security officers tagged in illegal cigarette trade

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January 20, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Some high-ranking members of the security forces are allegedly involved in the multibillion-peso illegal trade of cigarettes, according to the police Highway Patrol Group.

The HPG made the statement yesterday following the arrest of seven Chinese nationals and the confiscation of P129.06 million worth of illegal cigarettes in Quezon City and Valenzuela on Jan. 14.

HPG director Brig. Gen. Hansel Marantan said the arrested Chinese are “big players,” but not the financiers.

“They are big fish, but only at the next level. The real financiers include some members of the security forces,” Marantan said at a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Marantan confirmed that high-ranking security officials are among those being linked to the illegal cigarette trade, describing the operation as “deeply entrenched and lucrative.”

Marantan, however, declined to specify whether the officers belong to the Philippine National Police or the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The HPG seized 1,434 master cases of illegal cigarettes and two delivery trucks during the operation, which was based on verified intelligence.

Marantan said the illegal cigarette trade is worth billions of pesos, making it difficult to dismantle due to alleged protection and profit-sharing.

“Some act as protectors, some receive proceeds. This is a very lucrative business,” he said.

Marantan said President Marcos is closely monitoring the problem, with the Department of Justice and Department of the Interior and Local Government assigning officials to oversee ongoing operations.

“The President wants people to be punished,” Marantan said.

He added that the cigarette smuggling network could serve as a template for other illegal activities.

“The same system used in illegal cigarettes can be applied to drugs and other smuggled goods,” Marantan said.

Authorities said investigations are ongoing to identify the financiers and other people involved in the illegal trade of cigarettes.