The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and the National Press Club (NPC) have joined forces to urge media practitioners in Northern Mindanao to combat fake news and the illegal cigarette trade. At a seminar held Friday, Rohbert Ambros, Department Manager of the National Tobacco Administration, highlighted the rampant illegal cigarette trade in Mindanao. He said that many of the cigarettes confiscated in recent years are either contraband, counterfeit, or labeled as "illicit whites." In a video message, Philippine Information Agency Director General Jose Torres Jr. stressed the vital role the media plays in addressing the proliferation of fake news and the smuggling of illegal cigarettes. "Illegal cigarette trade harms our economy, costing billions in lost tax revenues," Torres said. PCO Assistant Secretary Rowena Otida also emphasized the media's influence and responsibility, urging journalists to focus on truthful reporting to positively impact society. "We are only as good as our last story, so we must strive to make it our best. Always remember, we carry the enormous social responsibility of informing the public accurately," Otida said. Source: Philippines News Agency