Created through Executive Order No. 17, Series of 2026, signed by Mayor Susan Yap, the Anti-Contraband Task Force consolidates the efforts of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), City Economic Enterprise Management Office (CEEMO), Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), Tarlac City Police, and other agencies to coordinate inspections, intelligence sharing, public education, and enforcement against illegal trade.
According to Yap, the initiative demonstrates the local government’s commitment to protect consumers and keep illicit goods off store shelves in Tarlac City.
“Illicit trade affects everyone. It puts consumers at risk, robs the government of revenues that fund essential public services, and creates unfair competition for law-abiding businesses. With this task force, Tarlac City is sending a clear message that we are committed to protecting our people and upholding fair commerce,” Yap said.
The executive order cited reports of widespreadproliferation, distribution and sale of untaxed tobacco products in Tarlac City, stressing that illicit trade erodes government revenues, distorts fair competition, and endangers public health and consumer safety.
It also acknowledged Tarlac City as a key land transport hub and underscored the need for heightened vigilance in monitoring entry points, terminals, warehouses, storage sites, and distribution channels vulnerable to contraband movement.
The city government has begun carrying out the order through a series of stakeholder engagements.
On June 5, Yap convened the Anti-Contraband Task Force to deliberate on the illicit tobacco situation in the Philippines and Tarlac City, and to chart the city’s enforcement strategy.
As an initial measure, the mayor instructed CEEMO to organize orientation sessions for public market vendors and cigarette retailers prior to inspections, underscoring the city government’s duty to educate businesses on the law and uphold due process before enforcement begins.
The first orientation session was conducted on July 7, with nearly 150 vendors, store owners, and barangay officials in attendance. Participants were briefed on illicit tobacco trade issues, relevant laws, and consumer protection measures, and were provided city-endorsed posters identifying illegal cigarette brands and the official reporting hotline.
Acting CEEMO Head Emmanuel Raquiza explained that the orientation aims to foster cooperation between the local government and the business sector ahead of inspection activities.
“Consumer protection is a shared responsibility. Before we enforce, we want to make sure our vendors understand the law, know how to identify illicit products, and appreciate the role they play in protecting consumers and supporting legitimate businesses. Education and compliance go hand in hand with effective enforcement,”Raquiza said.
After the orientation, the task force will start inspections of public markets and commercial establishments to monitor compliance and prevent the sale of counterfeit and illicit products.
Tarlac City Chief of Police Glenn Santiago said the police will continue to collaborate closely with the city government and partner agencies to keep illicit products out of the local market.
“Through sustained coordination with the local government and our partner agencies, we aim to strengthen enforcement and ensure that those engaged in the sale and distribution of contraband products are held accountable,” Santiago said.
The executive order authorizes the task force to carry out routine and surprise inspections of retail outlets, public markets, convenience stores, warehouses, and other establishments where cigarettes are sold or stored.
It also grants the task force authority to recommend the suspension or revocation of permits for businesses engaged in the sale or distribution of contraband cigarettes.
PHOTO coutesy CIO TARLAC
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