With tougher penalties and impending non-bailable cases for those involved in the illicit tobacco trade, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla clarified that the government’s campaign is focused on dismantling large criminal networks and major operators rather than targeting small retailers at the margins of the supply chain.

Speaking during a summit in Pasig City, Remulla emphasized that law enforcement efforts must distinguish between the masterminds who profit from illegal activity and ordinary individuals who are often drawn into unlawful operations by larger syndicates.

“We give more compassion towards the smaller people and more enforcement versus the bigger people,” the DILG chief said.

Remulla noted that one of the challenges in combating illicit tobacco is that the consequences of illegal activity are often felt most heavily by vulnerable sectors, including farmers and small retailers.

“Ang problema ay hindi ang batas, kung hindi yung sino ang apektado ng batas. It’s the fringes (of the society), the farmers and the retailers, that get affected the most,” he explained.

The Secretary stressed that the government’s supply-reduction campaign is designed to dismantle the sources of illicit tobacco distribution by prioritizing major financiers, foreign operators, and organized syndicates that profit from the illegal trade.

“Mas gusto kong tirahin yung mga mayayaman, mga dayuhan, at big syndicates, kaysa yung maliliit na tao na walang pambayad ng abogado kung dadalhin mo sa non-bailable case,” he said, emphasizing that the campaign against illicit tobacco is not anti-poor.

According to Remulla, effective law enforcement requires focusing on those who orchestrate and sustain illegal operations rather than those who are often the most vulnerable participants in the supply chain. By disrupting the networks at the top, authorities can better protect farmers, legitimate businesses, and communities affected by the illicit trade.

At the same time, he encouraged the public to remain vigilant and continue reporting the sale of illegal cigarettes in their communities. Citizens may coordinate with barangay officials or report violations to the nearest police station so authorities can take appropriate action.

From October 2025 to June 2026, government authorities recorded more than ₱8 billion worth of illegal cigarette products seized as part of the nationwide campaign to dismantle illicit tobacco operations and hold those responsible accountable under the law.