• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A police major is now being investigated by the PNP Criminal Investigation Group for alleged involvement in the large-scale illegal cigarette manufacturing operation in Negros Occidental.
His alleged involvement was revealed by Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla during a recent press briefing in Barangay Calumangan, Bago City, where authorities discovered a factory of illegal cigarettes, which also led to the arrest of 10 Chinese nationals and the rescue of 15 Filipino workers, including a minor.
Remulla claimed that the police major, who is now under the PNP custody, served as a protector of the syndicate.
Initial police investigations showed that the PNP official rented the warehouse used as a factory of illegal cigarettes, where operations started in June last year, as reported by Remulla.
In two separate raids in the cities of Bago and Bacolod, the joint operations of the PNP and National Tobacco Administration resulted in the confiscation of almost P800 million worth equipment, raw materials, and finished products.
In a statement, the PRO-NIR said the alleged involvement of a police commissioned officer to the production of counterfeit cigarettes in Bago City, is now being investigated by the CIDG.
The PRO-NIR emphasizes that it is never remiss in disciplining its personnel and does not tolerate any involvement in illegal activities.
Any member of the organization found to have violated the law, rules, or ethical standards shall be dealt with accordingly and subjected to appropriate administrative and criminal proceedings, a statement from PRO-NIR further said.
E-SABONG OPERATIONS
Remulla also revealed that the Chinese syndicate engaged in the illegal manufacture of cigarettes is also believed to be involved in e-sabong operations in Talisay City that was the subject of a raid by the police on April 23.
The raid and dismantling of an alleged illegal online cockfighting operation in Barangay Concepcion, Talisay City, Negros Occidental, led to the arrest of 30 individuals.
Two individuals were rescued during the operation, while a minor, who was also found on-site, is now under proper care and protection.
Authorities said the location was being used for an alleged illegal online cockfighting activity run by an organized group. Equipment used for live streaming, communication devices, and various cockfighting paraphernalia were recovered.
Charges for violation of PD 1602 in relation to RA 10175 will be filed through inquest proceedings against the arrested individuals.
A dismissed policeman was also identified by the PNP as among those who facilitated and supported the illegal e-sabong operation.*
