PALO, Leyte — Police authorities in Eastern Visayas are appealing to the public to help curb the proliferation of smuggled cigarettes being sold in small retail stores, following a series of operations that led to the seizure of nearly P2 million worth of illegal tobacco products across the region.
In the past several days, the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) confiscated smuggled cigarettes in Leyte, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, and Biliran, highlighting the extent of the illegal trade in both urban and remote areas.
Col. Hector Enage, chief of PRO-8’s Regional Operations Division, said the affordability of smuggled cigarettes—often sold at around P5 per stick—has contributed to their widespread distribution, particularly in far-flung communities.
“These smuggled cigarettes are cheaper compared to commercial brands, making them more accessible even to minors who are already into smoking,” Enage said during a media conference on Monday, February 2. “That is why we are appealing to parents and store owners to immediately report the presence of these illegal products to authorities.”
Based on police investigations, Enage said most of the confiscated cigarettes were found in remote areas, making enforcement efforts more challenging.
“We have strengthened our campaign with the support of other government law enforcement agencies to address this problem,” he added.
PRO-8 records show that police units in the region have conducted at least 12 anti-smuggling operations, resulting in the arrest of 10 individuals and the seizure of illegal cigarettes with a total estimated market value of P1.95 million.
The suspects were charged for violations related to the non-payment of excise or stamp taxes, among other offenses.
Police said the smuggled cigarettes were believed to have originated from another Asian country and entered the Philippines through so-called “backdoor” channels before being distributed within the region.
Meanwhile, PRO-8 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy said the volume and value of the seized items reflect the police force’s firm resolve to combat the illegal cigarette trade in Eastern Visayas.
“The volume and value of these confiscated items clearly show our determination to prevent Eastern Visayas from being used as a transit or distribution point for smuggled goods,” Capoy said. “We will sustain our intensified operations in close coordination with our partner agencies.”
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
