The Tarlac City government has intensified its campaign against counterfeit and illicit products with the creation of the Tarlac City Anti-Contraband Task Force, a multi-agency body tasked with strengthening enforcement against illicit tobacco cigarettes and other contraband goods while protecting consumers and legitimate businesses.

Established through Executive Order No. 17, Series of 2026, signed by Mayor Susan Yap, the task force brings together the DILG, DTI, City Economic Enterprise Management Office (CEEMO), BPLO, Tarlac City Police, and other local and national government agencies to coordinate inspections, intelligence sharing, public education, and enforcement operations against illegal trade.

Mayor Yap said the initiative reflects the city's commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring that only legitimate products are sold in Tarlac.

"Illicit trade affects everyone. It puts consumers at risk, robs the government of revenues that fund essential public services, and creates unfair competition for law-abiding businesses. With this task force, Tarlac City is sending a clear message that we are committed to protecting our people and upholding fair commerce," Yap said.

The Executive Order cited reports of the proliferation, distribution, and sale of illegal and untaxed tobacco cigarettes in the city, noting that illicit trade deprives both national and local governments of lawful tax revenues, undermines fair competition, and poses risks to public health and consumer protection.

It also recognized Tarlac City's strategic location as a major land transportation hub, saying heightened vigilance is needed to monitor high-risk areas such as entry points, transport terminals, warehouses, storage facilities, and distribution channels where contraband products may pass through.

The city government has since begun implementing the order through a series of stakeholder engagements.

On June 5, Mayor Yap convened the Anti-Contraband Task Force to discuss the illicit tobacco situation in both the Philippines and Tarlac City and map out the city's enforcement strategy.

As an initial step, the mayor directed CEEMO to conduct orientation sessions for public market vendors and retailers selling cigarettes before inspections begin, emphasizing the local government's responsibility to educate businesses on the law and ensure due process before enforcement activities are carried out.

The first orientation under the Executive Order was held on July 7, drawing nearly 150 public market vendors, store owners, and barangay officials. Participants received briefings on the illicit tobacco trade, relevant regulations, and consumer protection measures, while city-endorsed informational posters identifying illicit cigarette brands and the official reporting hotline were distributed.

Acting CEEMO Head Emmanuel Raquiza said the orientation is intended to build cooperation between the local government and the business community before inspections commence.

"Consumer protection is a shared responsibility. Before we enforce, we want to make sure our vendors understand the law, know how to identify illicit products, and appreciate the role they play in protecting consumers and supporting legitimate businesses. Education and compliance go hand in hand with effective enforcement," Raquiza said.

Following the orientation, the Anti-Contraband Task Force is expected to begin inspections of public markets and commercial establishments to monitor compliance with EO No. 17 and deter the sale of illicit and counterfeit products.

Tarlac City Chief of Police Glenn Santiago said the police will continue working closely with the city government and partner agencies to keep illegal products out of the local market.

"Through sustained coordination with the local government and our partner agencies, we aim to strengthen enforcement and ensure that those engaged in the sale and distribution of contraband products are held accountable," Santiago said.

Under EO No. 17, the task force is authorized to conduct regular and unannounced inspections of retail establishments, public markets, convenience stores, warehouses, and other business establishments where cigarettes are sold or stored.

The order further empowers the task force to recommend the suspension or revocation of business permits of establishments that are found selling or distributing contraband cigarettes.