In a successful joint law enforcement operation, a man identified only by the alias “Ian” was arrested on October 3, 2024, in Brgy. Timber, Ditsa-an Ramain, Lanao del Sur, for violating Republic Act No. 10643, also known as the “Graphic Health Warnings Law.” The operation, conducted by the CIDG Lanao Del Sur Provincial Field Unit (PFU) in collaboration with the CIDG Maguindanao PFU, the 1402nd RMFB, and Disaan-Ramain Municipal Police Station (MPS), was coordinated by the Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office (PPO).
The suspect was caught in the act of selling cigarettes that did not bear the legally mandated graphic health warnings on their packaging, violating Section 14(b) of the law. The operation resulted in the confiscation of 449 reams of Sandiego white cigarettes, 300 reams of Sandiego red cigarettes, 10 reams of San Marino red cigarettes, 10 reams of San Marino white cigarettes, and 10 reams of Fort cigarettes. The seized items had an estimated value of Php 576,460.00.
The arrest was initiated based on information from a concerned citizen, who reported that a certain individual, known locally as “Ian,” was involved in selling cigarettes without the required graphic health warnings. The law, which mandates graphic health warnings on cigarette packages to raise public awareness about the health risks of smoking, was implemented to help curb tobacco use in the country.
PCOL Robert S. Daculan, Provincial Director of the Lanao del Sur PPO, praised the joint effort, noting the importance of enforcing the law to protect public health. The suspect and the confiscated items were taken to the CIDG Lanao Del Sur PFU office for proper documentation and disposition.
This arrest marks a significant step in the continued enforcement of the Graphic Health Warnings Law, as authorities remain vigilant in ensuring compliance to safeguard public health from the dangers of tobacco consumption.
