Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has issued a directive for an intensified information campaign aimed at warning sari-sari store owners across the nation against purchasing and selling smuggled and illegally manufactured cigarettes. In a statement released on Sunday, February 22, 2026, Nartatez emphasized the urgency of this initiative, calling for close coordination between police chiefs, local government units, and barangay officials to bolster public awareness.
Campaign Targets Criminal Syndicates
Nartatez explained that the campaign's primary goal is to educate store owners about the severe implications of their actions. "We have to make sari-sari store owners fully understand that they are becoming enablers of smuggling and illegal manufacture of cigarettes the moment they agree to sell them to their customers, and there are legal consequences in doing that," he stated. By selling these illicit products, retailers inadvertently support criminal syndicates involved in illegal importation and manufacturing, undermining national security and economic stability.
Supporting Presidential Directive
This initiative aligns with a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., communicated through Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to dismantle smuggling operations that deprive the government of crucial revenues. These funds are essential for financing social services and public welfare programs. Nartatez highlighted that the campaign is part of a broader strategy to eradicate illegal tobacco supply chains and mitigate their detrimental impact on public revenues.
Educational and Enforcement Measures
As part of the intensified efforts, authorities will educate retailers on identifying smuggled and illegally manufactured cigarette brands. This educational component is designed to empower store owners with the knowledge needed to comply with the law. Simultaneously, enforcement actions will be ramped up. Remulla earlier warned that raids would commence in public markets and small retail outlets to disrupt the illegal cigarette supply chain.
Retailers have been given a one-week grace period to dispose of any smuggled cigarette stocks and cease distribution. Authorities have made it clear that enforcement will not only target large-scale manufacturers but also small-time distributors and sellers, ensuring comprehensive accountability.
Legal Penalties and Public Cooperation
Under Republic Act No. 12022, individuals involved in the sale and distribution of smuggled agricultural products face stiff penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Nartatez appealed to the public, particularly small store owners, to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting the sale of smuggled tobacco products in their communities. "We appeal to the public, especially small store owners, to cooperate with authorities in this campaign to curb the sale of these smuggled cigarettes," he urged.
Recent Success in Cebu City
In a related development, Nartatez commended the Police Regional Office 7 for conducting simultaneous operations in Cebu City on February 19, 2026. These operations resulted in the seizure of 135,936 packs of illegal cigarettes, with an estimated value of P138,099,550.34. The confiscated items were documented and placed under the temporary custody of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
The operation was executed in coordination with the BIR Regional Strike Group and BIR Revenue Region 13, showcasing effective inter-agency collaboration. The PNP has affirmed that monitoring and enforcement operations against the distribution and sale of smuggled and counterfeit tobacco products will continue unabated to ensure full compliance with the law and protect national interests.
