Pasig city: The government's campaign against illicit tobacco is focused on dismantling major criminal syndicates and financiers, rather than penalizing small retailers and other vulnerable players in the supply chain, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Friday. Remulla highlighted that in imposing tougher penalties and filing non-bailable cases, it is crucial to distinguish the masterminds who profit from the illegal activity from the ordinary individuals who are often drawn into unlawful operations by larger syndicates.

According to Philippines News Agency, from October 2025 to June 2026, authorities seized more than PHP8 billion worth of illegal cigarette products as part of the nationwide crackdown on illicit tobacco operations. Remulla acknowledged that farmers and small retailers often bear the brunt of law enforcement actions despite not being the main beneficiaries of the illegal trade.

Remulla expressed the need for compassion towards smaller players while emphasizing stricter enforcement against larger entities involved in the illicit trade. He stated that the problem is not the law but who is affected by it, pointing out that the fringes of society, including farmers and retailers, are most impacted.

He stressed that the government's supply-reduction strategy aims to dismantle the sources of illicit tobacco distribution by targeting major financiers, foreign operators, and organized syndicates. Remulla reiterated his preference for pursuing the wealthy, foreigners, and big syndicates over smaller individuals who cannot afford legal representation in non-bailable cases.

The approach of targeting leaders of illicit tobacco networks is intended to better protect farmers, legitimate businesses, and communities affected by the illegal trade.