PNP chief orders crackdown on counterfeit, smuggled cigarettes

FILE PHOTO: Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil during the turnover ceremony at Camp Crame on April 1, 2024. INQUIRER file photo / MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Marbil has ordered all police units to intensify their efforts to crack down on counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes nationwide, saying these pose a threat to the livelihood of local tobacco farmers and public health.

Marbil issued his statement on Sunday following reports that the illicit trade costs the national government a staggering P25.5 billion annually.

READ: Four-month tax take from tobacco products drops by P6.6B

“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,” the PNP’s top official said.

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

Citing data from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Marbil said the proliferation of cigarette smuggling partly caused the 15.9 percent decline in revenue in 2023, amounting to a P25.5 billion decrease from the previous year.

For this year, the BIR report said the government has so far lost P6.6 billion.

In line with this, the agency has “recommended implementing more stringent measures to combat cigarette smuggling, such as tighter border controls and enhanced tax compliance enforcement.”

For his part, Marbil gave the directive and likewise revealed that the police force has so far arrested individuals involved in cigarette smuggling from Sultan Kudarat, Tawi-Tawi, and Zamboanga City, among others.

He also appealed to the public to aid the PNP in its efforts and “report any suspicious activities related to the sale and distribution of counterfeit cigarettes.”

Marbil added that the public can report anonymous tips to PNP’s hotlines.