DAPA, SURIGAO DEL NORTE — A 29-year-old man was arrested on Saturday night, May 18, in a joint law enforcement operation in Dapa, Surigao del Norte, for violating Republic Act No. 10643 or the Graphic Health Warnings Law.
The suspect, a married resident of Kawit 1, Barangay 1, Poblacion, was apprehended around 10:30 p.m. during a buy-bust operation carried out by personnel from the Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office (SDNPPO), the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), and the Dapa Municipal Police Station.
Police said the operation led to the seizure of 300 reams of DELTA brand cigarettes without the required graphic health warnings. The estimated market value of the confiscated items is Php 120,000. Authorities also recovered Php 500 in marked money used in the operation.
Provincial Director PCOL Warren E. Dablo emphasized the importance of enforcing the law, saying, “We remind the public that non-compliance with this law is a serious offense, and the SDN PNP remains vigilant in monitoring and apprehending violators. The rule of law must be upheld to safeguard the health and well-being of all Surigaonons.”
The suspect and the confiscated items are now in the custody of the Dapa Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
RA 10643 mandates the inclusion of graphic health warnings on tobacco product packaging to raise public awareness on the dangers of smoking.
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