TARLAC CITY, Tarlac — “Illicit trade affects everyone.”
This is the reality shared by Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap as she introduced a task force set to combat the selling and distribution of counterfeit goods in the capital city.
“It puts consumers at risk, robs the government of revenues that fund essential public services, and creates unfair competition for law-abiding businesses,” she added.
The creation of the Tarlac City Anti-Contraband Task Force, formalized through Executive Order No. 17, Series of 2026, marks a concerted effort to curb the sale of illicit products, particularly tobacco, throughout the city.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), City Economic Enterprise Management Office (CEEMO), Business Opportunity and Licensing Office (BPLO), and the Tarlac City Police are consolidating their resources to fight illegal trade that threatens public health and erodes government revenue.
Officials highlighted the urgency of the initiative, pointing to Tarlac City’s role as a vital land transport hub, which makes its terminals and warehouses highly vulnerable to the movement of contraband.
Before launching inspections, the city administration prioritized an educational campaign to ensure local vendors and business owners understand the law.
On July 7, the CEEMO conducted an orientation for nearly 150 participants, including store owners, vendors, and barangay officials, to help them identify illegal brands and understand the new enforcement measures.
Acting CEEMO Head Emmanuel Raquiza emphasized that this cooperation is essential, stating that education and compliance must precede enforcement.
With the orientation phase complete, the task force is now authorized to conduct routine and surprise inspections across all retail outlets and storage facilities in the city.
Tarlac City Police Chief Glenn Santiago said law enforcement will collaborate closely with city agencies to ensure full accountability for those caught violating the regulations.
The task force holds the authority to recommend the suspension or total revocation of business permits for any establishments found dealing in contraband products.
