GERONA, Tarlac — A raid on an illegal tobacco processing plant in an isolated warehouse here on Thursday, June 18, 2026, resulted in the arrest of four suspects and the rescue of 28 human trafficking victims, including two minors.
The operation, executed by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit 3, targeted an unlicensed business operating in Purok 1, Barangay Parsolingan. The facility allegedly relied on trafficked and forced labor to manufacture and sell illegal tobacco products.
The arrested suspects were identified as three Chinese nationals — known only by their aliases “Huang,” 35, of Mariveles, Bataan; “Fua,” 47, and “Ming,” 55, both residents of Barangay Parsolingan — and a Filipino national identified as “Lito,” 44, also a resident of the same village. Authorities noted that additional suspects are currently being identified.
The 28 rescued workers, who are all related and hail from Capiz province, were reportedly recruited and promised construction jobs in Manila. Instead, they were brought to Tarlac and forced to labor inside the illicit facility. They were turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 3 for immediate assistance and appropriate disposition.
The raid was carried out under a search warrant issued by the Tarlac City Regional Trial Court Branch 63 for multiple legal infractions, including violations of the Consumer Act of the Philippines, the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, the Graphic Health Warnings Law, the Tobacco Regulation Act, and the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.
Law enforcement uncovered 2,600 sacks of dried tobacco, piles of cured tobacco leaves, and 200 sacks of processed, shredded tobacco. Heavy manufacturing equipment was also seized, including leaf-conditioning and shredding machines, rotary drum cylinders, and conveyor systems, alongside a stockpile of empty cigarette cartons featuring various brand names.
Four vehicles— two wing van trucks, one FAW truck, and a Toyota Wigo, were also confiscated. The National Tobacco Administration is currently evaluating the total value of the seized goods.
The operation originated from a tip by a concerned citizen who reported a foul odor and loud machinery noise emanating from the site. Subsequent surveillance and intelligence operations by the police confirmed the illegal activities, paving the way for the search warrant.
