Capiz police arrest businessman over fake cigarettes

By Felipe V. Celino

PANITAN, Capiz — Operatives of the Capiz Provincial Intelligence Unit, together with personnel of the Panitan Municipal Police Station, arrested a businessman identified only as alias “Dio” during the implementation of a search warrant at about 7:10 a.m. on May 7, 2026, in Barangay Cabangahan, Panitan, Capiz.

The operation was conducted under the supervision of Police Col. Albert D. Tapulao.

The search warrant was issued for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 8424, or the Tax Reform Act of 1997, and Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law.

Republic Act No. 8424 amended the National Internal Revenue Code, while Republic Act No. 10643 requires graphic health warnings on tobacco product packages to warn the public about the effects of tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.

During the search, police seized two packs of Cannon Menthol 100s cigarettes, one pack of Fort Menthol 100s cigarettes, 22 reams of RGD cigarettes, nine reams of D&J cigarettes, and one ream of Fort Menthol 100s cigarettes from the suspect’s possession.

The suspect and the seized evidence were brought to the Panitan Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.

The Capiz Police Provincial Office said it continues to support lawful operations against the sale and possession of taxable goods that violate existing laws.

The public is urged to report similar illegal activities to the nearest police station.