PNP orders crackdown vs. use, importation of e-cigarettes

FILE: Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge, Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, says he agrees with the stand of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to reveal the intelligence reports on high-value targets (HVTs) to Vice President and anti-drug czar Leni Robredo, during an interview with reporters on Monday (Nov. 18, 2019). This came as PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said he will only give a copy of the list to Robredo in a closed-door meeting as this contains sensitive and classified information. (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered a nationwide crackdown on the use of electronic cigarettes, popularly known as vapes.

PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa issued the order after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered a total ban on the use and importation of vaping devices or electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in the country.

Gamboa said he had already ordered all police commanders to increase police visibility in all public places, particularly the vicinity of schools, and to run after those who would dare to vape in no-smoking areas.

“All police units nationwide to enforce the ban on the use of vapes; ensure that all violators will be arrested and properly recorded in the police blotters; confiscated items are accounted for and disposed of properly; and coordinate with local government units and agencies, vape stores and owners to enhance the enforcement of the ban,” Gamboa said.

“Likewise, all PNP personnel are directed to refrain from violating the directive or risk disciplinary sanctions,” he added.

Gamboa said all heads of offices and chiefs of police units in all levels are held accountable for the strict enforcement and compliance of their personnel with the ban.

“All PNP camps and offices are declared “NO VAPE ZONE”,” he noted.

The PNP official urges all vape users to cease from using the product.

“We assure the public that the PNP remains alert and vigilant to prevent the occurrence of crimes in the run up to the SEA Games and Christmas season and ready to respond to any call for assistance,” Gamboa said.

On Tuesday night, Duterte made the decision, as he acknowledged that the vapes are “not good for humans”.

“I will ban it, the use and the importation. I hope everybody is listening. Paki-relay na lang. You know why? Because it is toxic. And the government has the power to issue measures to protect public health and public interest,” the President said in a press conference held at the Palace’s Heroes Hall late Tuesday night.

“Ang cigarette, they confirm chemical there. That’s not good for humans. It’s deadly, it’s nicotine. It induces a habit, habit for me, and it is toxic, and it kills people… Now, itong vaping, sabi nila (they said vaping) is electronic. Don’t give me that s***,” he said.

The President said he would soon sign an executive order (EO) that would formalize his directive to stop the use of vaping devices nationwide.

But despite the absence of an EO, Duterte said he can already order the arrest of those who continue using e-cigarettes.

In 2017, Duterte signed EO 26, which provides for the establishment of smoke-free environments in public and enclosed places.

In a bid to guarantee the right of every Filipino to “breathe clean air,” EO 26 requires the establishment of designated smoking areas that may either be an open space or an enclosed area with proper ventilation.

Gamboa said the EO 26 and local ordinances can be used to run after vapers since it is similar to smoking in public.

Policemen are also instructed to confiscate e-cigarettes from those who would be caught using them in public places, according to Gamboa.

Malacañang, however, has yet to issue an order and guidelines on the President’s order against importation on e-cigarettes.

“I also instructed my commanders to start visiting local e-cigarettes stores in their respective areas of jurisdiction,” said Gamboa.

“The objective is to remind or warn the owners to take the initiative of warning their clients not to use them in public,” he added.

Last week, the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed that a 16-year-old girl from Central Visayas who has been using e-cigarettes for six months is allegedly suffering from electronic cigarettes or vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI).

The girl, who allegedly complained of “sudden-onset severe shortness of breath,” met the case criteria of EVALI upon evaluation, based on the guidelines of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Vaping devices, which vaporize a solution that users inhale, does not use tobacco leaves, unlike regular cigarettes.

E-cigarettes became popular among Filipinos who assume that it was a healthier alternative for puffers who want to quit smoking.

Around 1 million Filipinos are using e-cigarettes, the DOH has noted.