CABANATUAN CITY – At least 1,927 reams of surrendered illicit cigarettes with a total amount of P1,563,716 were destroyed at Camp Gen. Mariano N. Llanera here on Sept. 11.
Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office director Col. Richie Claravall said the untaxed tobacco products bearing various brands were surrendered to several police units in separate “Task Force Kapre” operations.
The condemnation and destruction ceremonies were attended by officials from the Nueva Ecija provincial health office, business permit and licensing office, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of Fire Protection, members of the media, and NEPPO personnel.
“The destruction of these surrendered and illicit cigarettes sends a clear message that we will not allow illegal tobacco products to proliferate in our communities. NEPPO will continue to strengthen enforcement, coordination, and community engagement to protect consumers, support legitimate businesses, and safeguard government revenues,” Claravall said, highlighting the collaborative efforts of government agencies in addressing the proliferation of illicit tobacco products.
He vowed an intensified campaign against illicit tobacco products through sustained law enforcement operations, stronger coordination with partner agencies, and community-based initiatives.
Claravall further emphasized that these efforts are aligned with the Bagong PNP Para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman, reinforcing NEPPO’s commitment to protecting the people of Nueva Ecija and upholding the law.
