SMOKE SHOP A store helper arranges products at a vape shop in Quezon city in this 2022 photo. (File photo from GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has reprimanded over 8,000 minors caught violating the country’s vape law and other electronic cigarette-related measures, according to its spokesperson, Colonel Jean Fajardo.
Under the Republic Act No. 11900 or Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, Fajardo explained that the legal age for purchasing vape products is 18 years old and above.
The law also bars the sale of these products within a 100-meter radius of educational institutions, playgrounds, and other areas frequented by minors.
Citing PNP data, the official revealed that about 129,878 individuals were caught violating RA No. 11900 and Executive Order No. 26, which aims “to provide the establishment of smoke-free environments in public and enclosed places.”
Of this figure, 8,000 minors — 6,714 who violated EO No. 26 and 1,900 who committed violations under RA No. 11900 — were reprimanded and released to their parents.
READ: Tighter regulations on vape sale, restricted access to minors pushed
Last March 7, PNP said that its officials met with Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa to discuss the threats posed by the widespread use of vape products, especially to the physical health of youth nationwide.
To prevent this, PNP said it would help the Department of Health enforce the existing laws, “holding vendors and retailers accountable for compliance with age restrictions and imposing penalties for any violations.”
In line with this, the PNP’s Directorate for Operations was instructed to develop appropriate operational guidelines for apprehending vape sellers.
Moreover, the PNP said that it also tasked the Directorate for Police Community Relations to launch an awareness campaign to educate the public, particularly the youth, about the harmful effects of vaping.
The police organization also called on media organizations to utilize their platforms and raise awareness of the negative consequences of vaping for both users and sellers.