Ilocos Sur town forms task force vs illicit tobacco trade

CALASIAO, PANGASINAN, Philippines — The municipality of San Ildefonso in Ilocos Sur has officially created a local task force to strengthen its campaign against illicit tobacco and vapor products.

The Local Anti-Illicit Trade Task Force will improve intelligence sharing, coordinate enforcement efforts and strengthen the capacity of local personnel to combat the illegal trade.

Municipal Ordinance No. 06-2026, approved on Wednesday (Sept. 2), builds on an earlier executive order issued by Mayor Amante “Tito” Purisima and establishes a permanent framework against the sale, distribution, transport, storage and possession of noncompliant or counterfeit tobacco and vapor products.

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Local officials said the measure is particularly important because of Ilocos Sur’s strategic location and proximity to areas where illicit trade activities may emerge, including parts of Central Luzon.

The Ilocos Region has also emerged as a hotspot for illicit cigarette trading, based on Philippine National Police seizure records during the first half of 2026.

At a recent Tobacco Summit organized by the National Tobacco Administration, the PNP reported the seizure of an estimated P20 million worth of illicit cigarettes in Region I during the first six months of the year.

Widespread

A San Ildefonso resident also said vaping had become widespread in the town, particularly among students.

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The ordinance was enacted following consultations with local stakeholders on the economic and social effects of illicit tobacco trade, including losses in government revenue, unfair competition against legitimate businesses and its impact on community welfare.

It defines illicit products as those without required government registrations, internal revenue stamps or graphic health warnings, as well as those sold below the minimum price prescribed by law.

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Businesses will be required to comply with anti-illicit trade regulations as a condition for the issuance and continued validity of their permits. Violations may result in the suspension or revocation of permits, while major or large-volume cases may be referred to national authorities for possible action under existing laws.

The ordinance also calls for a registry of violators, training for enforcement personnel, public information campaigns, annual implementation reports and regular assessments of the municipality’s anti-illicit trade efforts.

With the new measure, San Ildefonso joins a growing number of local governments taking a more active role against illicit tobacco trade.

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Mariveles, Bataan, earlier issued Executive Order No. 008-S-2026, establishing a coordinated anti-contraband enforcement framework, while Caloocan City enacted an ordinance strengthening inspections, business accountability, and coordination with national enforcement agencies. /cb