Gatchalian seeks probe on alleged links of gov't security forces to tobacco smuggling

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has sought an investigation into the alleged involvement of government security forces in tobacco smuggling, calling it "alarming."

Filing Senate Resolution No. 250, Gatchalian stressed the need to "cut the chain of complex criminalities and impose sanctions on the personalities involved in the illicit trade of tobacco products."

“The illicit trade of tobacco products does not only result in lost revenue from unpaid taxes. More importantly, it undermines the rule of law, jeopardizes public health, and enriches criminal networks,” the resolution said.

"It is imperative for the government to determine and address any policy, administrative and procedural gaps in order to combat the ever growing problem on illict trade of tobacco products," it added.

Gatchalian, chairperson of the Senate Finance Committee, said the issue is particularly disturbing because it involves high-ranking uniformed personnel "who are supposed to maintain national security, uphold the law, and protect the lives and property of the people."

The inquiry was sought following a claim made by the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) that the alleged financiers of a group involved in the smuggling of tobacco products are “members of the security forces”. 

The HPG recently arrested 7 Chinese nationals for smuggling ?129.06 million worth of cigarettes in Quezon City and Valenzuela. In December last year, the HPG discovered a total of ?2.6 billion worth of smuggled tobacco products in Malabon and Batangas City. —LDF, GMA Integrated News