CAMP GEN. MARIANO N. LLANERA, Cabanatuan City — The Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office (NEPPO) destroyed 1,927 reams of illicit cigarettes valued at PHP1,563,716 during a condemnation and destruction activity held here on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026.

The cigarette products were confiscated during various police operations across Nueva Ecija and voluntarily surrendered by individuals following sustained information campaigns and community engagement efforts by the NEPPO.

Provincial Director Police Col. Ritchie R. Claravall led the activity, which was attended by representatives from the Provincial Health Office (PHO), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO), members of the media, and NEPPO personnel.

The participation of the different agencies underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing the proliferation of illicit tobacco products in the province.

In his message, Claravall emphasized the need for sustained law enforcement, stronger coordination with partner agencies, and continued community engagement in combating the illicit tobacco trade.

“The destruction of these surrendered and illicit cigarettes sends a clear message that we will not allow illegal tobacco products to proliferate in our communities,” Claravall said.

He added that NEPPO would continue to strengthen enforcement, coordination, and community-based initiatives to protect consumers, support legitimate businesses, and safeguard government revenues.

During a media interview, Claravall reiterated that the provincial police office would sustain its campaign against illicit tobacco products through intensified law enforcement operations and closer coordination with partner agencies and communities.

He said the efforts are aligned with the Bagong PNP Para sa Bagong Pilipinas: “Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman,” reflecting the police force’s commitment to public safety and enforcement of the law. (Jason de Asis)

📸 || NEPPO DESTROYS OVER PHP1.5-M WORTH OF ILLICIT CIGARETTES | The Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office destroyed 1,927 reams of illicit cigarettes valued at PHP1,563,716 during a condemnation and destruction activity at Camp Gen. Mariano N. Llanera, Cabanatuan City, on Sept. 11, 2026. The activity highlights NEPPO’s intensified campaign, in coordination with partner agencies and communities, against the illegal trade and distribution of tobacco products in Nueva Ecija. (Jason de Asis)