Authorities uncovered an illegal cigarette manufacturing operation in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, which led to the seizure of over P600 million worth of products.

The raid, carried out by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), also resulted in the arrest of over 70 Filipinos and 20 Chinese nationals.

Inside the compound, authorities found machines and other equipment used for cigarette production.

According to NBI Director Isaac Carpeso, Jr., they hatched the operation with the help of an informant.

"Mag-conduct ng mga operasyon against agricultural products, violators, smuggling... ayun na-stumble upon namin dito merong nag-o-operate, nagma-manufacture ng sigarilyo," he said.

BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui, Jr. said the government is losing significant revenue due to these illegal activities.

"Hindi lang pag-i-evade ng buwis ang nangyayari dito, kundi nakakapinsala sa buong ekonomiya at pati sa agricultural farmers natin ng tobacco," he said.

The seized cigarettes and machinery are now under NBI custody, and those arrested will face multiple charges, including violations under Republic Act 12022, the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Law.