BAGUIO CITY: An estimated P1 million worth of e-cigarettes (known as vape), e-juice, and e-cigarette paraphernalia were confiscated by the Baguio Smoke-Free Task Force composed of the Health Services Office (HSO) and Public Order and Safety Division at Tam-awan, Pinsao Proper, here on Tuesday, February 7. The alleged owner, a student, had multiple violations namely: selling without a business permit; failure to secure a special permit to sell tobacco/ENDS products; selling electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) also known as vape, near a health facility or public place; selling tobacco/ENDS products without graphic health warnings, among others. Dr. Donnabel Tubera Panes, HSO tobacco control coordinator, together with health advocates, condemned the acts of the e-cigarette industry for marketing their products among the youth and young adults. 'These deadly products shaped like toys, flash drives, pens, and even the laces of a hoodie are deceiving our children to get hooked on a very addictive device that kills,' she said. Further, Panes said that only two e-cigarette flavors, plain tobacco or plain menthol, are allowed in the market as stated in the vaping law. There are currently 15,500 flavors sold in the market with unspecified contents, she said. Local authorities from the Smoke-Free City Taskforce are also currently working hand-in-hand with the Department of Trade and Industry, Food and Drug Authority, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue to address issues on the sale and distribution of ENDS products.
