Authorities in the Philippines have dismantled an illegal cigarette factory in Cavite province, arresting two individuals and rescuing 11 workers. The suspects allegedly recruited workers from poor communities in the Visayas and Mindanao regions to produce counterfeit cigarettes. Among the rescued workers was a 17-year-old boy who, along with others, was brought from Masbate and nearby provinces under questionable labor conditions. The suspects and rescued workers have been taken to the Trece Martires City Police Station for processing. An investigation is underway to determine possible violations of labor laws. The operation was conducted under a search warrant from Judge Angelina A. Mailom-Orendain, targeting a facility disguised as a leisure park. The warrant was issued for violations of Republic Act No. 10364, the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. "The PNP will continue to work closely with government agencies to dismantle trafficking networks and hold perpetrators accountable," the agency stated.
