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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marbil orders crackdown vs cigarette smuggling

Marbil orders crackdown vs cigarette smuggling

Published Jun 16, 2024 05:07 am

Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered all police commanders to launch a crackdown against counterfeit and smuggling of cigarettes in a bid to plug the annual P25.5 billion losses of the government from the illicit trade.

In a statement, Marbil said the campaign is not intended to address the financial losses but also to protect the public, particularly the youth, from the ill effects of counterfeit cigarettes.

"I have directed all concerned police units to intensify the crackdown against fake and smuggled cigarettes. The PNP is committed to eradicating the illicit cigarette trade that not only undermines government revenues but also poses serious health risks to the public,” said Marbil.

“Our intensified efforts will include heightened surveillance, stricter border controls, and coordinated operations with other law enforcement agencies," he added.

The BIR earlier reported that the widespread smuggling of cigarettes, including the counterfeit ones, resulted in the 15.9 percent decline in revenue in 2023, which translates to P25.5 billion.

From January to April this year alone, the BIR reported losses totaling PHP6.6 billion.

The BIR then recommended the implementation of more stringent measures to combat cigarette smuggling, such as tighter border controls and enhanced tax compliance enforcement.

While aggressive campaigns are ongoing such as the series of successful operations mostly in Mindanao, the BIR is seeking a more active approach in dealing with the problem.

"The battle against counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes is not just a fight for revenue or law enforcement; it is a crusade to safeguard the health of our people and ensure economic stability. We will not rest until every illicit operation is dismantled, every counterfeit product seized, and every violator brought to justice," Marbil emphasized.

"Our goal is clear: we will safeguard our country from the evils of this illicit trade that comes as an affront to the welfare of small farmers and their dependents. We are committed to bringing its purveyors to justice, no matter who or what they are," he added.

Earlier, the PNP also ordered an aggressive campaign against sellers of vapes to minors after the Department of Health sought police assistance amid the increasing number of minors with lung injuries due to vape. 


 

 

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Cigarette smuggling Philippine National Police
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