Philippines joins call to end illicit trade of tobacco products

The Philippines joins other countries to work together to end the illicit trade of tobacco products, said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr.

"Nakikiisa ang buong pamahalaan sa buong mundo at sa World Health Organization (WHO) sa paggunita ngayong araw ng ‘World No Tobacco Day’ (WNTD) sa ilalim ng temang “Stop Illicit Trade of Tobacco Products,” said Coloma.

According to WHO, tobacco is the cause of death of 6 million smokers around the world, and is responsible for the mortality of some 600,000 non-smokers due to secondhand smoking.

This year's ‘World No Tobacco Day’ highlights the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.

"From many angles, the illicit trade of tobacco products is a major global concern, including health, legal and economic, governance and corruption," said the WHO. (PCOO News Release)