8 Chinese held for fake cigarettes, human trafficking Ramon Efren Lazaro (The Philippine Star) – May 18, 2019

8 Chinese held for fake cigarettes, human trafficking
Ramon Efren Lazaro (The Philippine Star) – May 18, 2019

MALOLOS , Philippines — Eight Chinese citizens were arrested by personnel of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and local police on Thursday for allegedly manufacturing fake cigarettes and for human trafficking in Marilao, Bulacan.

Col. Chito Bersaluna, Bulacan police director, said the NBI raided a warehouse in Barangay Patubig after receiving reports that Chinese citizens who were hired by the suspects suffer inhuman treatment.

One of the factory workers who managed to escape said they were prevented from leaving the premises and forced to sleep on cramped, poorly ventilated and dark quarters.

At least 87 workers were rescued and turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for processing and medical checkup.

Police said at least P1.6 million worth of fake cigarette seals and machines were seized.

Read more at https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/05/18/1918728/8-chinese-held-fake-cigarettes-human-trafficking#wOJsRWllKjsuUatM.99