Task force aims to curb illicit cigarette trade in San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur

MANILA, Philippines — The Municipality of San Ildefonso in Ilocos Sur has established a dedicated anti-contraband task force to strengthen local enforcement against illicit and smuggled cigarettes, becoming one of the latest local government units to institutionalize anti-illicit trade measures at the community level.

Mayor Amante “Tito” Purisima II issued Executive Order No. 23, Series of 2026, creating the San Ildefonso Anti-Contraband Task Force (SIACTF), a multi-agency body tasked with coordinating inspections, investigations, public awareness campaigns, and enforcement activities against illicit tobacco products.

The task force will be composed of local government officials and representatives from key offices, and is authorized to coordinate with national agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and Bureau of Customs (BOC) in carrying out inspections, intelligence-sharing activities, confiscation operations, and legal actions against violators.

Under the executive order, businesses selling cigarettes in San Ildefonso are required to maintain supplier records, ensure products bear lawful BIR tax stamps, allow inspections by authorized officers, and report suspicious suppliers or undocumented cigarette products. Violators may face permit suspension or revocation, closure of establishments, and criminal or administrative charges.

“We want to ensure that legitimate businesses are protected, taxes are properly collected, and illicit products do not find a place in our municipality,” Purisima said following the issuance of the order.

The move comes shortly after the International Tobacco Summit organized by the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) and the Department of Agriculture (DA), where government officials, local leaders, farmers, and industry stakeholders called for stronger coordination among national agencies, local governments, and enforcement bodies to address illicit tobacco trade.

Participants in the summit emphasized that illicit trade can no longer be viewed solely as a customs or law enforcement concern, but as an issue with implications for government revenues, legitimate businesses, agricultural communities and local governance.

The executive order comes as the national government intensifies its campaign against illicit tobacco and smuggling, following repeated directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strengthen enforcement against illicit trade and economic sabotage. Recent estimates have placed government revenue losses from illicit tobacco and vape products at approximately P141 billion over the past two years.

During the summit, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla warned that illicit tobacco trade had become deeply entrenched because of corruption and weak enforcement, and urged stronger coordination among government agencies and local authorities to address the problem.

San Ildefonso’s initiative follows similar actions by other local government units, including Mariveles, Bataan, which earlier established a comprehensive anti-illicit trade program. Policymakers in other areas, including Davao City, are likewise considering anti-illicit trade ordinances and dedicated enforcement mechanisms.

The executive order also directs the municipal government to conduct information campaigns in barangays, organize community orientations, and establish complaint and reporting mechanisms to encourage public participation in anti-smuggling efforts.

Stakeholders say local government participation remains critical to the national anti-illicit trade campaign and enabling an "all-government" approach in addressing illicit tobacco trade, as LGUs are often best positioned to monitor establishments, detect violations, and support enforcement efforts on the ground. (Contributed story)